
/?ev ^Ji.y/o/ep 



;?7rt ^'» - 



t 



fliiatanatba: 



^be IRev. 3F, 1R. Iboleman, 

Rector of^Christ Church, 
Cedar Key, Fla. 



Behold the Bridegroom conieth, go ye out to meet 
Him.— St. Matt, xxv-6. 



33518 



_ TSi^^l 



Librfciry of <:;pnar«<M 

Vvo Copies '^FCF*- €0 
AUG 11 1900 

i£C(-No copy. 

0:1D£R OiyiS!ON, 
SEP 11 1900 



i+nfct. 



^ rk i- r> Q Copyrighted, 1900 

bybbo BY 

GOTTSCHALK PRINTING CO., 

Saint IvOuis. 



U; 



To the beloved ones of youth 
and age, and parishioners of 
present and former years, this 
little volume is lovingly dedicated 
by the author. F. R. H. 



Go forth little book, imperfect indeed, 
And do thy best work, in sowing good seed; 
And grant, O My God! that nothing herein 
May sink to the heart, whose fruit will be sin. 



t 



MARANATHA 

And Other Poems. 



PREFACE. 

This little volume is sent out into the 
world with modest expectations; but with 
the earnest hope, that it may accomplish 
SDmething, however little, in preparing 
tlie world for the coming of the Lord. 

F. R. H. 



t 



Maranatha, 



Canto I. 



Shadows. 

Whom the Lord loveth, He chasteneth.— //^i^. xii. 6. 
I. 

LEND your ear, O gentle Christian ! 
" As at quiet evenfall, 
Ancient rocks, in woodlands olden 
Seem to listen in the starlight 
To the distant waterfall; 
Hear me as of old, the princes 
Stopping in the dance to hear, 
Listened to the aged minstrel 
Telling some wild, moving story 
Of the distant, shadowy 3^ear. 
O'er his silver harp strings bending, 
With a skillful touch and strong. 
Till as wild winds move the forests 
Were their hearts moved by the spirit 
Sweeping through the tide of song. 



SHADOWS. 



II. 



I will tell of gentle Manaen 

And the lovely Mitylene, 

How the}^ lived and loved and suffered, 

How afar in pain they wandered 

B}' the cruelty of men; 

And I'll sing of Jesus' Kingdom, 

Of her sorrows, of her grace, 

Of her oneness, when her sorrows 

As the fingers of the angles 

Fit her for the Prince of Peace. 

For the Lord is as the Bridegroom, 

Waiting aye His church beside; 

x\nd the growing into oneness, 

Is the Royal Bridegroom taking 

To Himself His spotless Bride; 

And the endless round of feasting 

When shall come the nuptial day, 

Is a rapturous joy exceeding 

Every yearning, prayer and pleading, 

In the Spirit inward feeding 

On the Life of God alwa}^ 

III. 

Bright amid the hills and forests 
Stood a little city fair. 
Marked b}'' glittering domes and steeples. 
Where from out the churches' belfry 
Pealed the daily call to prayer. 

IV. 

On a hill that to the southward 
Rises in a robe of green. 



SHADOWS. i^ 

Dwelt an old man with his loved ones, 
With a sainted wife, and walking 
As an angle walks with men. 
Loved and honored, Alian Ruel, 
Was the well-know^n name he bore. 
Long he lived among his people, 
Fond of doing deeds of mercy. 
For the outcast and the poor ; 
Comforting the sick and needy. 
Helping in their great distress. 
Laid he up his store in heaven 
Daily heaping up his treasures. 
By his works of righteousness ; 
Seeking for the frail and erring 
Who have wandered from the way, 
Pressing on with gentle yearnings, 
Tracing ev'ry mark and footprint 
Where their wandering feet might stray 

V. 

Many w^ere the good man's riches ; 
Rich in every noble deed; 
All the people 'round about him 
Loved him as they loved a father, 
For the kindly things he did. 
Yea ! he was a faithful Christian, 
Not a whited sepulchre. 
Love to him was real, earnest, 
Was the Life, w^as alms and labor 
Strengthened by unceasing prayer; 
Was the very Life of Jesus, 
Born the human soul wathin. 
Walking in the paths of angels, 



10 SHADOWS. 

Doing good ; the Christ Life giving ^| 

To the poor, dead souls of men. 

VI. 

Much he had ; he knew to use it 
For his own and others' good ; 
Knew denial, hardness, roughness, 
How a mortal's brightest jewels 
Are the lost reclaimed to God ; 
Knew how watching, prayer and fasting 
Are the means to conquer sin. 
To perfect the Life of heaven, 
Might resistless, matchless graces. 
In the chastened souls of men. 

VII. 

He was born into the Kingdom, 
Born of God, by him upreared 
To the full and deep conception 
Of the vieajiing 2i\\A p7'oportio?i 
Of the everliving JVofd; 
Of the Word, the germ resplendent. 
Whence eternal Life proceeds. 
Life of Life, of God's own essence, 
Giving strength to ri.se and follow 
Where the bleeding Savior leads. 

VIII. 

Constant as the sun in rising. 
Never failing, day by day. 
Went he as a beam of sunlight 
With his tender wife and daughter 
To the Church of God to pray ; 
Leading on with wary footsteps 



SHADOWS. 11 

All along the narrow road, 

Through the darkness, traps and dangers, 

Through the snares of evil angels, 

To the Light and Life of God. 

IX. 

'Round the city, through the valley. 
Flows a river bright and free. 
Sparkling as the smiles of children. 
Over rocks, through ancient forests, 
Onward to the boundless sea. 
Brightly mirrored in its bosom 
Beauteous clouds moved gently on ; 
In its depths, as in the heavens 
Flaming stars of evening sparkled. 
And in glory rode the moon ; 
As within the Christian bosom 
Christ the Lord, eternal Love, 
With the hosts of heavenly powers 
'Round about Him is the image 
Of the reign of God above. 

X. 

In the heart as in the river 
Light and beauty most are seen 
When the gush of life is over, 
And God's image is reflected 
In the chastened souls of men. 

XI. 

By the river wave the forests. 
And the shadows fall apace, 
As beside Life's stream eternal 
Shadows are, where rest the angels 



12 SHADOWS. 

Laden with the gifts of grace. 
From the branches o'er its margin 
Wild birds sing their sweetest la3's, 
Build their nests beside the waters, 
Teach their eager, little nestlings, 
Sweetest songs of other days. 
Here they sing those songs primev^al. 
Aye the same and sweetly sung, 
As the deep things of the Father 
Coming on through generations, 
Echoed down from tongue to tongue. 
Brightly clad in varied plumage, 
Flying through the quiet sky, 
Droop they on the wing to nestle. 
Choose this of all other places 
As the meetest for their stay. 

XII. 

Calmly winds forever onward 
By the rocks, the flowing stream, 
By the mighty oaks and elm trees, 
Through the valley, wild and lovely, 
As in some enchanting dream. 
From the valley, green as emeralds. 
Graceful hills in verdure rise 
Far above within the cloudlands. 
Till they seem in gold and azure 
Eden or a paradise. 

XIII. 

On a lawn above the river. 
Where the birds at evening come. 
In the center of a garden, 
In the midst of shade and flowers 



SHADOWS. 13 

Stood the quiet, woodland home. 

Modest, peaceful, nothing lordly, 

Back upon the hill it stood, 

High above the little city. 

High above the winsome valley 

Like a bird's nest in the wood. 

O'er it ran the running roses 

Mingled with the columbines. 

Till the porch and eves were covered, 

And the windows thickly curtained 

With the branches of the vines. 

In it Allan dwelt, and Mary, 

And their daughter Mitylene ; 

To and from it passed the angels, 

And unseen, though ever present. 

Walked the gentle Nazarene. 

In these hearts His throne was builded, 

Whence His Light was shed abroad, 

Unseen spirits fair attended, 

And the fondly loving household 

Rested in the peace of God. 

XIV. 

Mary, gentle wife of Allan, 
Lovelier grew as time passed on. 
O'er her aged, palid forehead 
Radiant graces of the Spirit 
Rested as a living crown. 
From her placid, Christ-like features 
Beamed a lovely, heavenly grace ; 
Holy thoughts like high born spirits, 
Came to many a sinful bosom 
Winging from her loving face. 



14 SHADOWS. 



XV. 



Sweet indeed are age's wrinkles 
If the cares from which they come, 
Like the cares of gentle Mary 
Are to seek the lost and erring, 
And to bring the wandering home. 
Like an angel walked this woman 
'Mong the vicious sons of men. 
Calling gently to the lost ones, 
Twining cords of love about them, 
Till they wept and left their sin. 

XVL 

Allan's home was ever happy 
By this gentle spirit blessed, 
Ever lovely, bright and peaceful; 
Here the aching heart had respite 
From its strugles and unrest. 
Bright as sunlight in the valleys 
On the tall trees, fair and green. 
Bright as morning o'er the moorland, 
Making all the heavens lovely, 
Was the gentle Mit3'lene. 
Lovely were her auburn tresses 
As the twilight set with stars. 
As the melting shades of evening, 
By the glorious light divided 
Into streams and golden bars. 

XVII. 

White as on the lofty mountains 

Is the fleecy, driven snow 

Were her graceful neck and shoulders. 



SHADOWS. 15 

Fair as painters paint an angel 
Winging to the world below. 
Sylph-like, free, o'er lawn and woodland 
Wandered she, a thing of light. 
Innocent, she sang and warbled. 
And along the shaded pathway 
Pressed the stones with restless feet. 

XVIII. 

But as aye the limpid river, 
Sparkling through the woodland scene, 
Quiet grows, and like a mirror 
Shadows back the earth and heaven, 
So the life of Mitylene. 
All the sweetness of the maiden 
Ripened into woman's grace. 
And the holy light of heaven 
Was reflected back in beauty 
From her peaceful, loving face. 

XIX. 

When the softened hues of evening 
Melted into heavenly scene. 
Where a cliff hangs o'er the river, 
She was wont to sit at twilight 
As some lovely wildwood queen. 

XX. 

There was one who fondly loved her, 

In the little town below. 

In her heart she bore his image. 

And within held such sweet converse, 

As no other heart may know. 



16 SHADOWvS. 

Manaen Hobah in his childhood 
Won the gentle Mitylene. 
Their fond hearts were bound together; 
Never had the princely Jacob 
Truer to his Rachael been. 

XXI. 

They would tread life's way together, 

Be it bitter, be it sweet; 

Yea, they thought not of its sorrows, 

Of its wounds and painful bruises, 

Of the thorns, to tear the feet. 

Hearts so young ne'er comprehended 

Why that way is ruby red, 

How the glittering jewels on it 

Are the crimson blood drops flowing. 

Which the wounded heart has shed ; 

How a way erected in us 

Reaches to the realms above, 

How the inner man ascendeth 

Through the bitter ways of sorrow, 

To the perfectness of love. 

XXII. 

Forty moons, and then the nuptials ; 

Then the starting point of life ; 

Then should Manaen claim the maiden, 

Press her fondly to his bosom 

And forever call her wife. 

But, O God! Thy wa3^s are hidden; 

Fearful is the way we tread, 

Could these loved ones, through the future, 

Have foreseen the coming sorrows, 

Would they have delayed to w^ed ? 



SHADOWS. 17 

XXIII. 

As a deacon, consecrated 

To the Christ by word and vow, 

Loving hands in benediction 

Rested on the brow of Manaen 

As the sunlight on the snow. 

Twice the earth through changing seasons 

Floated slowly 'round the sun 

And the gentle youth advancing, 

Bore the hoh^ priestly office. 

By his studious labors won. 

XXIV. 

Now enriched with heavenly knowledge. 
With a loving heart aflame, 
Yearned the glowing Life within him, 
To the Western darkened red men, 
Forth to bear Messiah's name. 
E're the rosy light of morning 
Should lead on the coming da}', 
Westward from his home and loved ones, 
Whirling wheels should bear him onward 
To his distant field awa3\ 

XXV. 

As the evening sun was sinking 
O'er the hills and woodland scene, 
'Long the narrow, shaded pathway 
Passed the youth for tender meeting 
And adieu to Mitylene. 
Autumn all enrobed in glory, 
Bright with colors manifold 



1^ SHADOWS. 

Swept along the hills and valleys, 
And in touching, gave the forests 
Rosy leaves and leaves of gold. 

XXVI. 

O'er the cliff, an aged elm tree 
Stood in gold and emerald green, 
Stretching out its leafy branches 
As a swarth}^ Indian servant 
Holds her shade above the queen. 
In the roots a moss}' arm-chair, 
Porm'd by nature's skill sublime, 
Seemed a throne of ages olden, 
By some race, long since forgotten, 
Ivcft a relic of their time. 

XXVII. 

In the mossy chair reclining, 

Fairer than the sylvan scene. 

Weary from a forest ramble. 

With a wealth of leaves about her 

Slept the gentle Mit3dene. 

All that day her heart was troubled 

With the painful thought, that when 

Morning should light up the heavens, 

Winged and fleet, the train unconscious 

Far should bear her Manaen. 

XXVIII. 

Westward, where in liquid glory 
Sank the sun into the night. 
Heaven's pearly portals opened, 



SHADOWS. 19 

And through golden fields the angels 

Seemed to move enrobed in light. 

Golden clouds, as flaming chariots, 

Seemed to bear them on their way, 

With their silver wings extended 

And their garments softly trailing, 

Radiant with receding day. 

Seemed they too to come as watchers, 

Lest the darkness should prevail, 

As the shining hosts of Jesus 

Watch against the "Prince of this World," 

And the gloomy gates of hell ; 

As they came to guard the maiden, 

All unconscious while she slept, 

And as loving, sleepless spirits 

Guard the Church — the Bride of Jesus — 

Watch and ward around her kept, 

Touching with their wings the forests, 

Flooding hill and vale with light. 

Beating back the coming shadows, 

Lest the fair and weary maiden 

Sleeping should be lost in night. 

XXIX. 

To the westward, by the river, 
Narrow grows the rugged scene, 
Where the hillsides run together, 
And a path abruptly rising, 
Winds the mighty rocks between. 
Broken by the crags and climbing 
Over ragged cliffs and bold, 
Runs it where in living beauty. 
From the rocks the wild vines cluster 



20 SHADOWS. 

Into wreaths of green and gold, 
Like the path of life and dut}', 
Loveh^ but most hard to wend ; 
Full of labor, toiling upward, 
And through many a hidden danger, 
Leading to a blissful end. 

XXX. 

Rising from the rugged hillside, 
From the narrow point below, 
Dotted with great elms and cedars 
Spreads a lawn, where in the springtime 
Wild birds, singing, come and go. 
Eack a pace, the home of Allan 
In its modest beauty, stood 
Near the border of the forest, 
Overhung with vines and flowers 
And the shadows of the wood. 

XXXI. 

'Long the narrow, shaded pathway, 
Manaen walked with thoughtful tread ; 
Golden leaves like winged spirits, 
Moving on the wind before him, 
O'er the rugged hillside sped. 
Where the mossy rock was shaded 
By the elm tree, tall and green. 
Passed he near the root-formed armchair 
Where amid the leaves reclining 
Slept the gentle Mitylene. 
Heeding not, absorbed, unconscious, 
Moving on with downcast eye, 
B}' his step a rock was loosened, 



SHADOWS. ' 21 

Which, with rapid bound descending, 
Crashed the sleeping fair one by. 

XXXII. 

Startled b}^ the noise, the maiden 
Springing from her moss}' chair, 
With a frightened gaze, uncertain, 
Trembling, and with heaving bosom. 
Stood as stands the timid hare. 
Manaen, roused as if from dreaming. 
Turning, heard her startl'd cry 
And beheld the frightened maiden 
Looking on the vale before her, 
Standing in the act to fly. 

XXXIII. 

With a gentle voice assuring. 

Spake he to allay her fear: 

I, it was, he said, whose footstep. 

From its bed a rock unloosened. 

All unconscious thou wast near. 

As if nature would remind me 

Of a presence I should own. 

And that 'long our rugged pathway 

God hath placed His holy angels 

When we seem the most alone. 

XXXIV. 

Reassured, the lovely maiden 
Turning with a troubled air. 
Thought her of a dream of anguish, 
Which had passed before her vision 



22 SHADOWS. 

Sleeping in the rustic chair. 
True it is, she said, that angels 
Seem to hover o'er our way, 
And as startling as the crashing 
Of the rock your step unloosened, 
Sometimes are the words they say. 
Even now oppressed and weary 
From a ramble in the wood, 
As I slept beneath the elm tree 
Seemed to come a holy angel 
Winging from the throne of God. 

XXXV. 

'Long the lawn and crag}^ hillside 
All the day my feet have strolled, 
Where wdth magic touch the Autumn 
Has in leaves the topaz painted. 
And the garnet set in gold. 
With the gathered wealth about me. 
In the mellow, softened air. 
Somewhat weary from the ramble, 
In the shadow of the elm tree 
Sat I in the mossy chair ; 
And I knew not of my sleeping 
Till the noise my slumber broke. 
When, as one is glad escaping 
From some overwhelming danger, 
Startled, from the dream I woke. 

XXXVI. 

In my sleep I seemed to ramble 
O'er the hillside gathering leaves, 
And to thee, as now beside me. 



SHADOWS. 23 

From afar, I sought to bring them 
As the farmer brings his sheaves. 
Up and down the hills I wandered, 
By the rocks, all free from fear, 
Gathering leaves that moved before me 
As the hbsts of ruined spirits 
Driven from the succor near. 

XXXVII. 

Long I gathered up my treasures 
And beside thee laid them down, 
While with wondrous skill thy fingers 
From the fairest and the brightest, 
Wove a beauteous, queenly crown. 
Then I thought that o'er the nations 
Christ the Lord in peace did reign, 
That the golden wealth I gathered. 
Woven by thy ready fingers. 
Was to crown the Church His queen. 
Then with gladdened zeal I wandered 
Through the forest everywhere, 
As I gathered priceless jewels, 
Tinted by the touch of heaven. 
For the Bride of Christ to wear. 

XXXVIII. 

When through deep'ning shades I wandered 

Farthest from thy side away, 

Lo! the azure sky was darkened. 

And a dreadful gloom, appalling. 

Shut me from the light of day. 

Chasms yawned about my footsteps, 

Where no ray of light was shed, 



24 SHADOWS. 

All bewildered, in the darkness, 
Death, or danger seemed to threaten 
Any way my feet might tread, 
lyoud upon the raging tempest, 
Winged with anguish, rose ni}^ cr}-, 
Loud the winds as angr}- demons 
Raved in fur}^ screamed and shouted, 
As they heard and sent repl}'. 

XXXIX. 

Then I thought that thou wouldst seek me, 
And through all the dreadful night, 
'Neath a mighty rock I cowered. 
Peering through the fearful darkness, 
Waiting, watching for thy light. 
Yea! with folded hands, beseeching, 
Down I fell upon the sod 
Praying for thee and thy coming. 
Till ni}^ wailings winged and rapid 
Reached the distant throne of God. 

XL. 

Then, anon in heavenly beauty 

By me stood a radiant form; 

In his light the darkness vanished. 

And the power of his presence 

Stilled the fury of the storm. 

In his eyes were love and meekness. 

But his glittering form was flame. 

And the glory of his visage 

With a sense of sin and weakness 

Filled with fear my trembling frame. 



SHADOWS. 25 



XLI. 



Down upon the earth before him, 
Pulseless as the pallid dead, 
Full of fear, in bitter anguish, 
Overcome with awe, and speechless. 
Prostrate at his feet I laid; 
Then he touched me, and in glory 
Of the blush of closing day, 
Lo! I saw thee as a Bridegroom 
With beloved ones about thee 
Coming down the lighted way. 
And the angel said unto me: 
"Thus shall Manaen be restored 
A7id thine eyes shall rest upon him, 
When ilUi mined by the Spirit, 
Thou shalt see the Christ the Lord^ 

XLII. 

Then it was thy passing footstep 
Loos' d the rock from out its bed, 
And the noise of its descending 
Roused me, and from sleep awaking, 
Passed the vision from my head. 
x\nd there now remains a sorrow; 
All my heart is filled with fear 
That thy going is forever; 
That mine eyes shall not behold thee 
Till the coming Christ is here. 

XLIII. 

But the Christ is never absent — 
Answered Manaen — by the side 
Of the daughter fair of Zion 



26 SHADOWS. 

Has He waited through the ages 
For his well beloved Bride. 
But about her, gloomy, dreadful. 
Midnight darkness has prevailed. 
She, o'erwhelmed with fear, forgetful 
Of His presence, in her anguish 
Has an absent Lord bewailed. 

XLIV. 

He is spirit and His presence 
By no eye of flesh is seen. 
Through the dark and troubled ages. 
As the wind blows where it listeth. 
Moves He through the hearts of men. 
By His Light He lifts the shadows, 
As the dawning of the da3% 
While the dreadful forms of evil, 
Moving on the wings of darkne'^s, 
Pass forevermore away. 
By His presence Life eternal 
Springs the human soul within; 
And the Life, with might resistless 
Overcomes the death within us. 
Lifts the fallen race from sin, 

XLV. 

Through this Life we grow in oneness 

With the everliving Lord. 

Thus is wrought the great Atonement: 

Through Her oneness with the Bridegroom 

Holy Church is One with God. 

Quickened souls behold Messiah 

As a warrior clothed in Light, 



SHADOWS. 27 

Driving from the sleeping nations 
All the dreadful forms of evil 
And the shadows of the night. 
Oh! that holy church could see Him 
From the East unto the West 
Flashing as the lightning flashes, 
But the eagle-visioned only, 
Can perceive the coming Christ. 

XLVI. 

Thus to me thy dream betokens 
Naught of anguish, naught to fear; 
But, that now our e3'es are holden. 
And that thou with spirits vision 
Soon shall see the Savior near; 
That the time is now upon us 
When the Church shall see the Christ, 
When all nations, bound together, 
Shall forever and forever 
Be enfolded in His breast. 

XLVII. 

May the loving Father grant it, 
Said the gentle Mitylene; 
But I fear, thou going from me 
There shall come some fearful sorrow 
As a gulf to roll between; 
That a dreadful storm uprising 
Shall the lowering sky o'erspread, 
And the raging of the tempest. 
Filling all my life with shadows 
Burst in fury on my head. 
Even now o'er all our country 



28 SHADOWS. 

Clouds are rising in the sk}', 
Making princely statesmen tremble, 
And their gloomy forms betoken 
Woes unknown and dangers nigh. 

XLVIII. 

Spirits from the realms of darkness 
O'er the nation's councils reign, 
And the sable Prince of evil 
Moves among them and his forces 
Are not marshalled oft in vain. 
O, M}' Country! Hope of Nations! 
Beacon for the bound to see! 
Ma}^ the Father send His angels 
And forever from th}^ heavens 
Drive the dark'ning gloom awa^^ 

XLIX. 

Though th}' dream distress betokens, 

Troubles pass and then are o'er, 

Said the 3'OUth, and when departed 

Thou wilt be restored unto me 

And the Christ reign evermore. 

God is good. Then come the sorrows 

Which shall try the hearts of men. 

It is blessedness supernal 

For our ej^es to see the Bridegroom 

Coming with His Bride to reign. 

To His own God sends no sorrow 

Which He gives not strength to bear. 

When He leads us through the furnace, 

By the flame He purifies us, 

And Himself walks with us there. 



^ 



SHADOWS. 29 

L. 

Trials are the angel's fingers 
Burning from the throne on high, 
Bearing costly, priceless jewels. 
When the heart from sin is cleansed, 
All the Ivife to beautify. 
We can trust a love so perfect 
As the boundless love of God. 
Though it be in flame to tr}^ us, 
It is but to purify us, 
And His Holv will is .srood. 



LI. 

Now through pearly gates departing 
Moved the traiHng robes of light, 
While o'er hill and vale advancing. 
Holding up the star of evening. 
Came on silent wing the night. 

LII. 

Allan Ruel sat dejected 
On his porch, his mate beside. 
Pondering some evil tidings. 
Anxious lest for home and countr}^ 
Sorrows dread and woes betide ; 
When advancing through the garden 
Manaen came with Mitylene, 
Laden with the wealth of Autumn, 
Leaves of gold and royal purple, 
Nature's rubies set in green. 



30 SHADOWS. 

LIII. 

But each loving heart was saddened, 
E'en the gentle Savior's light 
Seemed to sink behind the hilltops, 
As the glowing sun departing 
Sinks into the gloom of night. 
Anxious thoughts upon each forehead. 
Came with man}- shades of care, 
As the wings of some dark spirit 
Hovered o'er the loving household 
And malignant lingered there. 

LIV. 

Oh! how strange! said Alian Ruel, 

That within us there should be 

Spirits vision deep, unfathomed, 

Eyes with strength to look through heaven. 

Yet with these, men do not see. 

Vast in number, mights and powers 

Beat us with incessant wings, 

Move upon life's hidden currents. 

As the wind upon the ocean, 

Or as sounds on beaten strings. 

Yea, they pass and lighth^ touching 

With their wings some hidden cord, 

Fill the soul with light from heaven. 

Till we tremble as the aspen, 

And in rapture, look on God. 

Winging down through generations, 

Through the struggling mass of men 

Touch they loving hearts and form them 

Into that eternal Kingdom 

Where with Christ, God reigns in men. 



SHADOWS. 31 

Yet, the herd of men as cattle, 
Weary and unconscious, plod. 
Brushed b}^ passing wings of angels, 
Stupid, thoughtless, uiipeixeivijig , 
Through the dzcelling place of God. 

LV. 

Darker powers, cruel, sleepless, 
Formed for purpose vast and high, 
Move through hidden ways, as serpents. 
By their fangs make known their presence 
When the woe designed is nigh ; 
Or they enter through life's currents 
To the presence of the soul, 
Through the secret ways unguarded. 
And by subtile spells, resistless, 
Win the heart and gain control. 

LVI. 

Through the highways of the Kingdom 
Of the everliving God, 
March the^^ on as Roman cohorts. 
And God's temple in our bosoms, 
By their daring feet are trod ; 
Or they move abroad as tempests. 
Through the multitudes of men. 
Sweeping over mighty nations. 
Driving them in fury, beating 
As the winds beat on the main ; 
As the tempests hurl the ocean. 
Wave on wave, against the shore, 
Hurl they vast and well drilled armies 
'Gainst the bulwarks of the nations, 
Unrelenting evermore. 



32 SHADOWS. 

LVII. 

For some hidden purpose, powers 
Marshalled thus with peerless skill, 
Swa}' the thoughtless of our people, 
Who unknowing and unwilling, 
Work through life the Father's will. 
War shall sweep our wretched countr}- 
As the storm sweeps o'er the main, 
We shall see in wreck and ruin, 
Ho\T that subtile, unseen spirits 
Rule the destinies of men. 

LVIII. 

Soon our ears shall hear the bugle 
And the beating of the drum ; 
These shall be to us the voices, 
Which shall reach our startled spirits 
When the hosts of darkness come. 
But when spirits strive the victors. 
Rise aloft o'er fields of blood, 
Trample chains and broken fetters, 
And above the crimson ruin 
Build the Kingdom of the Lord. 
Wrong may triumph for a moment ; 
In the end it ever fails. 
While as light dispels the darkness 
Over ever 3^ form of evil. 
Evermore the right prevails. 

LIX. 

Thus in sadness passed the evening ; 
Every heart oppressed with care. 
Anxious thoughts as from the darkness 



SHADOWS. 33 

Came to every loving bosom, 
And in silence brooded there. 
Fond adieus with apprehension, 
From unwilling lips, were passed, 
While forebodings of disaster, 
lyike the threat 'ning clouds of summer, 
In their hearts their shadows cast ; 
And the gentle loving maiden. 
Weeping and by fear oppressed, 
Breathing earnest prayers to heaven. 
Stood with marble head reclining 
Sadl}^ on her loved one's breast. 

LX. 

When the rosy wings of morning 
O'er the hills and forests spread, 
Manaen on his loving mission, 
Full of noble Christ-like yearnings, 
As on wings of lightning sped. 
And his heart refused to listen, 
While within in mornful strain, 
Spoke his thoughts of coming anguish. 
How the years should pass as ages 
E're the loved he meet again. 



t 



Maranatha. 



Caxto II. 



The War. 

Ye sliall hear of wars and rumors of wars.— Matt. xxiv. 6. 



Now there came a time of anguisli 
As no living eye had seen; 
Cruel spirits, formed for evil, 
As a flood swept o'er the nation. 
Through the angry hearts of men. 
In the gloom of gath'ring tempests, 
Princely men, who knew not fear, 
Labored to avert the danger. 
Came together, as the heroes 
Gather when the foe is near. 
Alian's household, meekh* conscious 
Of impending grief and woe, 
Faithful, worked among God's people 
All intent the living Gospel, 
As the seed of life to sow. 



36 THE WAR. 

II. 
But the country's sky was darkened. 
Man 5^ a strange, mysterious form 
Moved imseen in dreadful power, 
Lowered o'er the face as shadows 
Of the fierce, impending storm. 
Subtle, wroth, the prince of darkness, 
Spread his wings upon the blast. 
Stirred the hearts of sinful people. 
Swept unto the western ocean, 
^orth and South and East and West. 

III. 
Some there were who saw him rising, 
And proclaimed him far and wide ; 
Eut to Spirits men are blinded. 
Though the}^ flood the world and sweep it 
As an angr}' ocean tide. 
Men who weigh in scales the heavens, 
Measure worlds and map the sky. 
Seeing, see not, while God's legions 
Onward in their mission speed them 
Through the azure depths on high. 

IV. 
Deathless spirits dwelling in us, 
Swaying ever}' race of men, 
Ruling in affairs of nations, 
Guiding endless generations, 
With but leaden eyes are seen. 
Great men think that kings and statesmen 
Bring on war and make the peace ; 
That the forces of destruction 
Whirling on in wreck and ruin, 



THE WAR. 37 

At their wilful bidding cease; 
And the}' know not of these powers 
Divelling in the heart itnclean^ 
Sweeping downward through the ages, 
That with single aim unerring 
Guide the destinies of men. 
Drive the world with whips of scorpions, 
Make of words a flaming sword, 
Leading on through lust the millions, 
While behind the whole unfathomed, 
Is the unknoivn ivill of God. 

V. 

So the fiend with darkened pinions, 
Through the crowds of maddened men 
Moved the mass as winds in summer 
Gather angry clouds and drive them 
Onward o'er the surging main. 
Wildh^ wildl}^ did he sway them 
As the waves by tempests borne, 
'Till a thoughtless, self-willed people 
Riven with opinions varied 
Raged as breakers 'round Cape Horn. 
Mighty armies led by Spirits 
Thinner than the yielded breath, 
Stronger than the wrath of tempests 
Moved along the nation's highways 
In the dreadful march of death. 

VI. 

Not a home but bitter anguish 
In some gastly shape was there; 
Want and woe, some dying loved one, 
Or the shadowy form that rested 



38 THE WAR. 

Ever in the vacant chair. 
And the hosts that stood as barriers 
'Gainst the shell and burning shot, 
Firm against advancing legions, 
Thinking of their homes and loved ones, 
Faced the foe and fainted not. 
While around beleagured cities, 
Brazen guns with sulph'rous breath, 
Roaring as ten thousand demons, 
To their tender and beloved ones 
Sent on wings grim words of death. 

VII. 

Then the smoke of burning cities 

Rose in lurid blackness high; 

Loud the bitter cries of anguish 

From the weak and helpless rising 

Pierced beyond the distant sky. 

Loveh' matrons, stainless virgins, 

Strangers to the touch unclean, 

Sinking as a fading flower 

Died with broken hearts, dishonored 

By the brutish lust of men. 

Blood from arms too weak and aged 

For the labor of defence, 

Stained the shameless swords of soldier^ ; 

Fathers in the sight of loved ones 

Murdered, died without offence. 

Homes 'ere long so bright and happy 

Burned to cinders in the flame, 

And the glow along the heavens 

Seemed the blushes of the angels 

For the blot on freedom's name. 



THE WAR. 39 



VIII. 



Homeless, wretched, some were driven: 

Wand'rers strange lands within; 

Some were worn away in prisons; 

Some by shameless sale of virtue 

Bought their freedom by their sin. 

All these wrongs, these woes and sorrows 

At the last will rise again. 

A^ain attempt 'twould be to tell them; 

As a fearful, horrid vision 

Shall the}^ meet the gaze of men. 

Let us then in peace forgetful 

Hide them; throw love's mantle o'er; 

Shut them from the aching vision; 

Pray that God will lift His people, 

That thej' learn to war no more; 

That the havoc of the sabre 

And the cannon's roar shall cease; 

That the Kingdom of Messiah 

Spreading over all the nations 

Shall forevermore bring peace; 

That the love of God may guide us 

Through the cycle of the years, 

And forever from all faces 

Move the drooping wings of sorrow 

And the burning flow of tears. 

IX. 

THE MISSION. 

Far away into the Southwest, 
Where the red men dream of blood 
Manaen Hobah, lovins^, vouthful. 



40 THE WAR. 

Through the forests sought their rude huts 

With the blessed Word of God. 

In a grand majestic wildwood, 

Hidden by the solemn shade, 

Near a lovely, limpid river, 

With the dwellers of the forest, 

All alone his home was made. 

X. 

On a lofty rock that towered 

O'er the vale, the town and flood, J 

Built of logs hewn by the wild men, 

Piled in tasty, rural beauty 

Stood the little church of God. 

From the forest came the red men, 

From the town the people all 

To the modest, rustic temple. 

As to Mar's Hill came from Athens 

Those who listened to St. Paul. 

XI. 

Manaen labored daily with them 
As a teacher in a school; 
Not in preaching polished sermons. 
Full of wit and classic beauty, 
Labored, studied, made by rule; 
Rich in fancy, bright, poetic. 
For the finer sense of men. 
Soaring upward as an eagle 
Far above the common people 
Plodding in a world of sin; 
Full of sound, of gesture, action, 
Word}^ pictures for the weak, 



THE WAR. 41 

Which the simple take for Gospel, 
Look upon as things of wonder, 
As a little god did speak; 
Preached as cr3^stal snowflakes falling 
On the crowded, sloppy street, 
Flashing in the air a moment, 
Melting, or unnoticed, trodden 
By the heedless, trampling feet; 
Preached as if the gifted preachers 
Knew not of the Christ as King, 
Of His Kingdom built within us, 
Of the virtues, mights, and powers 
Pl_ving ever on the wing; 
Knew not of the inner being. 
Endless Life, Eternal Love, 
Of the Living Christ begotten. 
Growing in His perfect image 
In the Life of God Above, 
Knew not how the soul is saved 
From the rule of death and sin. 
How the Kingdom is within us. 
And that God and all the Angels 
Divell the loving heart within. 

xn. 

Not by tableaux, sacred concerts. 
Suppers, grand bazars and fairs 
Thought he to build up the kingdom, 
Built of living stones and precious, 
Wrought by labors and by prayers ; 
Not by sweetly warbled solos 
Sung for gold and not for God, 
Sung as if the heavens degraded 



42 THE WAR. 

To the vileness of man's level 

Waited ready to applaud. 

Well he knew, though others knew not, 

Hard to learn — that far away. 

Loved, adored in worlds unnumbered 

God regardeth not the worship 

Sung by sinful lips for pay. 

Not b}^ him were wealthy sinners 

Honored merely for their gold ; 

For he wept to see in Zion 

Men who would betray and sell her 

As the dying Lord was sold. 

Men who rent the pews for lucre: \ 

Sexton's, choir's, priest's reward; j 

And within the light of heaven, 

W^ith their monkeys and their organs 

Grind before the throne of God. 

XIII. 
Means b}^ faithless men invented, 
Used the gaping crown to win. 
Gloss and gewgaw to attract them, 
To amuse but not to bless them 
Entered not his heart within. 
Yea, to him the hoi 3^ Gospel 
Was g-/ad tidings of Christ's reign. 
Joyous news of Jesus' Kingdom, 
Growing up in heavenly beaut}^ 
In the new born souls of men. 
Faith was but the heart's reception 
Of the tidings brought by Christ, 
Of the everlasting Kingdom, 
By the icord and Holy Spirit 
Growino: in the human breast. 



THE WAR. 43 

XIV. 

Lo ! the Church has now forgotten 
That the life by Jesus brought, 
Is to faithful men committed 
Through the ivord by perfect teaching, 
Line on line as fesus taught; 
That the word embodies Spirit ; 
That a life is born within ; 
That the word by Christ committed 
Is the living form of spirit ; 
Is Himself conveyed to men ; 
That the way of life is hidden, 
And the straight gate hard to find. 
They must see who guide us to it ; 
Untaught men can not be teachers, 
Nor the blinded lead the blind. 
Oh! The shame! That Christ hath sent us 
Every poor, dead soul, to reach. 
While despite the high commission 
Through the years of midnight darkness 
Holy Church hath failed to teach; 
Or in teaching, teacheth vaguely. 
Deepening, aye, with mists the night, 
Till the famished soul, bewildered. 
Falls or wanders through the darkness 
Further from the Way of Light. 

XV. 

"Come and learn from me, my people!" 
Manaen said, "for, lo! I bring 
From the very courts of heaven 
Tidings of Messiah's Kingdom; 
Of the presence of the King. 



44 THK WAR. 

Of that peerless, heavenly Kingdom, 
B}^ the prophets long foretold, 
Symbolized in mj^stic worship, 
Pictured forth in glowing visions, 
From the shadow}^ times of old. 
I will tell how round about us, 
Fair and glorious, though unseen, 
Mov^e the living, princely powers 
From the pearl 3^ gates of heaven. 
Through the chastened hearts of men." 

XVI. 

God Himself is Love eternal. 
And the winged hosts that move 
Through the glittering worlds unnumbered. 
Peerless, deathless and persistent. 
Are the powers of His Love. 
He is Life and Spirit's essence; 
Without body, parts, or form, 
Is the Life that filleth all things; 
Moves the circling hosts of heaven, 
Guides the earthquake and the storm. 
Quickens thought, gives secret impulse, 
Drives the sap through leaf and tree. 
Paints the hues of morn' and even'. 
Through the hidden, pearl}^ caverns, 
Drives the currents of the sea. 
Shaping ends, adjusted wisely. 
For some, grand design unknown. 
Making all the heavenly forces 
Moving in their sep'rate channels 
Work as many parts of one; 
Driving from the worlds of heaven 
Him whose being is to mar 



I 



THE WAR. 45 

Love and Truth and lieavenl}^ oneness, 
For against this form of evil 
Angels and Archangels war. 

XVII. 

Love-made flesh is God incarnate, 
Jesus, of the Virgin born, 
Root from out the stem of Jesse, 
Star arising out of Jacob, 
Resting on the brow of morn'. 
This is He, the World's Messiah, 
Holy Prophet, Priest and King — 
Love made flesh to flesh imparting 
'Love, to be our Life forever, 
Is the tidings that I bring, 
Is the Gospel of the Kingdom, 
For the living Christ shall reign 
By the heavenl}^ hosts attended, 
As Jerusalem descended. 
Rising in the hearts of men. 
As the wind blows where it listeth, 
So b}^ teaching, day by da}^ 
In the bosom of God's children 
Rise the bulwarks of that Kingdom 
Which shall never pass away. 
Holy Church is the expression, 
Outward, of what is not seen, 
Of that everlasting Kingdom 
Which the Lord of Life and Glory 
Buildeth in the hearts of men. 

XVIII. 

They, the Sent, who preach the Gospel 
Sow the living Word 2.?> seed; 



46 THE WAR. 

They, who in their hearts, receive Him, 
By the Life proceeding from Him, 
Speak their deep Faith in the Creed. 
For the Gospel \s "glad tidings." 
And the Creed, the "I beheve;" 
And the endless Life that springeth 
From the germ of heavenly knowledge 
Is the Love God' s Childi^en Live. 

XIX. 

This is Life and Resiirrection\ 
Is the real Paschal Blood, 
That which flowed upon the altar, 
Was the symbol, plain and perfect. 
Of the endless Life of God. 
They, who in this icorld of soi'row, 
Shall this heavenly Life t^eeeive; 
Shall not die, but live forever, 
As ci'ithin the JVo?ids iinniunbered, 
All the hosts of heaven live. 

XX. 

In this Kingdom is a priesthood, 
Pure in heart, with snowy vest; 
Like Melchisadec of Salem, 
In this priesthood, as a body 
Ministers the living Christ; 
Priest forever and forever. 
Yea. A Prophet, Priest and King: 
As a Prophet, Life imparting, 
As a Priest, through Life atoning, 
Reigning in the Life, a King. 
Judging men in daily trial 



THE WAR. 47 

By their strength to do and bear, 
Wreathing from the thorns that pierce them- 
In tlie strife — the crowns of glor}' 
Which forevermore they wear. 

XXI. 

In a glowing, living temple, 
Built of precious stones and tried, 
Working still the great atonement, 
Sprinkling Life, the Blood celestial, 
Ministers the Crucified. 
Burning from His inmost bosom. 
Winged with flame, the Living Word, 
As the seed of Life eternal. 
Sinking in the heart receiving 
Grows into the Life of God. 

XXII. 

And the saved are born of water; 

Symbol of the cleansing Wave, 

Of the washing of God's Spirit, 

Of the cloven flame that cleanses. 

And alone from death can save. 

But the Life comes not from water; 

Water is the open door; 

Through this door, the soul begotten. 

Enters Christ's eternal Kingdom, 

And is born forevermore. 

If we bring our little children 

Through this door, ere yet the Seed 

Of eternal Life be planted. 

They are born — the Life upspringeth 

And finds utterance in the Creed. 

They, ere yet they know the power 



48 THE WAR. 

Of the flesh and sleepless foe, 
Shall receive the Life within them, 
And into the perfect image 
Of the lyord of Life may grow. 
The}^ shall yearn for heavenl}" manna, 
Bread that cometh from above. 
And expanding by the feeding, 
Show themselves the born of heaven 
B}' their tender deeds of love. 

XXIII. 

They who love their dead may bring them 
Through this door unto the King. 
From His lips the Life shall reach them, 
And the Spirit's touch shall quicken 
All their loving hearts may bring. 
He is Life and Resurrection. 
The}' are dead who have no love. 
Where He is, the Spirit quickens, 
And the Life thus born, becometh 
One witli all the Life above. 

XXIV. 

From the living Christ the Spirit 

Through the Bishop's blessing flows, 

And the inner Life unfoldeth 

Into grace and heavenly beaut}', 

As the opening of a rose. 

Life is energy and power; 

Life Divine is Love most true; 

Life that Jesus died to give us 

Is the strength b}' which the weakest, 

Noble deeds of Love may do; 

Is the strenofth to toil and suffer 



THE WAR. 49 

For a fallen brother's good; 
Strength to triumph over evil, 
Bringing both ourselves and others 
Into ojieness icith the Lord. 

XXV. 

He who gave the Life unto us 
Bids us watch and fast and pray, 
Lest the feet unused to hardness 
Through the snares of evil angels 
Turn aside and miss the way. 
Life eternal, grows by feeding, 
Endless Life, on deathless food. 
They who would abide forever 
Cannot live, except by feeding 
Daily on the Life of God. 

XXVI. 
Slain for men from everlasting, 
Was the Lamb on whom we feed. 
They who bear the Christ within them, 
Feed upon Him, in the Spirit, 
Eat the Paschal Lamb indeed. 
He who looked on Jesus walking 
Said, "Behold the Lamb of God!" 
Of the Paschal Lamb while eating, 
Jesus said, 77^w is i^/r body !" 
Of the Life,^ ''This is My blood." 
He, indeed the Bi^ead of Heaven 
Is the Lamb on whom we feed. 
For the Truth by Him committed 
Is the Bread that came from heaven. 

*The blood and the wine, were both symbols of the 
Divine L,ife. 



50 THE WAR. 

Bod}^ which is "meat indeed." 

Yea! The blood the High Priest sprinkled 

On the lintel of the door, 

Was the life and so the symbol 

Of that lyife through which we enter 

Into rest forevermore. 

XXVII. 

They who feed, must feed in spirit ; 
Reach the heavenl}^ food by praj^er ; 
Keep the way of Life by watching ; 
Lift the soul into God's presence ; 
Feed upon His essence there. 
Bread and Wine of old were sjmibols 
Eaten with the Paschal Feast, 
Taken when the Lamb was eaten. 
Meant to show that in our feasting 
First we feed upon the Christ. 
Blood is of the Life the symbol ; 
Wine is symbol of the blood. 
Bread is Truth that came from heaven, 
Truth in which the Life abideth 
As the ver}^ Blood of God. 

XXVIII. 

W^ith the Christ unseen and noiseless 
Is a radiant, sleepless train. 
Shining in the light of heaven, 
Moving with a might resistless 
'Gainst the hidden foes of men. 
Living souls b}' them uplifted 
In their snowy vestments bright, 
Rise aloft through all the ages 



THE WAR. 51 

As the gathering stars of heaven. 
Sparkling o'er the sky at night. 

XXIX. 

But, athwart the way that leadeth 

Unto Life and Peace and Rest, 

In a region thick with darkness, 

Reigns with death the Prince of this World, 

As the dreadful Antechrist. 

Here his minions, thin and subtile. 

Daring, crafty and unseen, 

Sleepless, watchful, wise as serpents, 

Make their cruel habitations 

In the thoughtless hearts of men. 

There they bind the soul with fetters 

Which no eye of flesh may see ; 

Lead mankind, unthinking, stupid, 

And from Life and endless blessing 

Turn their stumbling feet away. 

XXX. 

Through the Kingdom's courts they wander, 

Where the false are named for God, 

And the heartless priests and rabble. 

Through all coming time descending, 

Crucify for aye their Lord ; 

Tear the holy church. His body ; 

In it pierce again His breast ; 

Turn with hidden wiles the people. 

And into eternal darkness 

Lead them from the Life of Christ. 

Yea! They make themselves a priesthood, 

Touched of hell and set aflame. 



52 THE WAR. 

In the hate, the life of devils, 
In its zeal, to darkened nations 
Bear the}' Death in Jesus' name. 

XXXI. 

And the}' raise against Christ's altars, 

Altars in the name of Christ. 

Where God'spriestsgo with the "tidings" 

Of the Life and of the Kingdom, 

Go the priests of Antechrist. 

Bold, they teach what Jesus taught not; 

Loud, the Holy Church deride. 

He who mocked and scourged the Savior 

Hath no tender touch of pit}' 

For the sorrows of the Bride. 

XXXII. 

But the Living Word un weary, 
Through the darkness of the night, 
Full of Love, alert and sleepless, 
'Gainst the gloomy force of evil 
Leads the heavenly hosts in fight. 
Where the poor soul in her bondage 
Feels the galling of her chain, 
Weeping in her bitter anguish, 
In the terror of the darkness. 
There He leads His glittering train, 
Where the blessed Light descending 
Falls 2ipon the open door; 
Where alone she waits and watches. 
At her cry the Savior enters. 
And abides, fore verm ore. 



THR WAR. 53 



XXXIII. 



All along the wa3^s and byways, 
Hosts on hosts these souls arise, 
Shining in the train of Jesus, 
Back through all the bygone ages, 
Through the temple of the skies. 
Thus the nations shall be gathered 
From the rule of death and sin; 
High above the tops of mountains 
Shall arise the endless Kingdom, 
And the ransomed dwell therein. 
In the time e'en now upon us, 
Through the nations there shall be 
Blazing in a flood of glor\' 
Holy Light, the light of heaven, 
Which the quickened soul ma}' see. 
Even now the Angel's trumpet 
Soundeth on the midnight air, 
And the beating wings of Spirits 
Move above the sleeping nations 
In their radiant beauty fair. 
Yea! Behold the Bridegroom Cometh, 
And the holy church beside 
Waiteth till the angel's fingers 
With the fairCvSt gems of heaven, 
Have adorned His beauteous Bride. 

XXXIV. 

As the gentle, loving teacher 

Of the heavenly Kingdom taught. 

Sleepless rose the forms of darkness. 

Skilled in every art of evil. 

And against his teaching, fought. 



54 THE WAR. 

Some were there to scorn and hate him, 

As were some to hate the Lord; 

Who reviled the truth he taught them; 

In the person of the servant 

Spurned the EverHving Word: 

Called him bigot, godless churchman, 

And the church they called "the Beast." 

Yea, the preachers from their pulpits, 

Spoke against the youthful teacher 

As he were the Antechrist. 

"Yea!" they said, "this godless churchman 

Vital piety hath none; 

He unchurches other churches, ' ' 

All forgetful they that Jesus 

Hath but one church, only one. 

Yea! this is His living body. 

Through it runs His Life Divine, 

If from this the}- have departed. 

Who can more than this unchurch them, 

Cut them from the living vine." 

XXXV. 

Wroth, they called the Church of England 

"Harlot," "Beast," a "Branch of Rome"" 

For they knew not that her Bishops, 

With a holy, high commission 

From the living Christ have come; 

That her white-robed lines unbroken 

Are a network, not a chain. 

Running through the sinful nations. 

As the "NET" that Jesus spoke of. 

Woven for the souls of men. 

Knew not how, from out her bosom, 



THK WAR. 55 

Hoh' bishops forth were sent, 

Long before the lawless Roman 

Ever set his daring footstep 

On the rocky shore of Kent; 

Knew not how old England struggled 

For the very faith they claim, 

How her Eauds, her Ridleys, Cranmers, 

Numbered with the hosts of martyrs. 

Died the death to keep the same. 

How, in wounds and pain, they wrung it 

From the Roman's bloody hands. 

How, with bleeding hearts, her children 

Hold it up, a thing of beauty 

For the lighting of all lands. 

XXXVI. 

Some there are whom truth, devotion, 

Eove and duty never win. 

Satan, in the garb of heaven. 

Ever findeth easier access 

To the poor, weak hearts of men. 

XXXVII. 

They, who hated Manaen Hobah, 
Zealous, cruel, sought his fall, 
As the forty men in compact. 
Bound themselves in secret conclave 
For the ruin of St. Paul. 
Woe ! to them, unloving, wayward. 
Who, in maddened zeal, would tear. 
In the name of Christ, His Kingdom, 
Rend the Church, the seamless garment 



56 THE WAR. 

Woven for the Lord to wear. 
Yea! before the King of Israel, 
For the child the two complain, 
She, the mother, yearned unto it. 
But who feigned to be the mother, 
Would have had it rent in tivain. 



if i 



t 



Maranatha, 



Canto III. 



The Woodman. 



Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby 
some have entertained angels unawares.— He b., xiii 2. 



I. 

Now the war was wildly waging 
O'er the country far and near; 
Through the towns the tramp of soldiers, 
And the nois}' shock of battle 
Filled the aching heart wath fear. 
Words of love from absent dear ones 
Often came by trusty hand 
Through the hostile lines of soldiers, 
As if borne by unseen Spirits 
Through the dangers of the land. 

II. 

Once at eve a rugged woodman, 
Seemingly distressed and poor, 
Worn and weary from the distance, 
As he came to ask for lodging 



58 THE WOODMAN. 

Stopped at Allan Ruel's door. 

' Round the hearth the loving household 

Sat with anxious hearts oppressed. 

Binea Hobah fearing evil 

Had detained the pen of Manaen, 

For the evening was their guest. 

III. 

Knocking gently stood the woodman, 
With a weary, downcast eye, 
Standing in the deepening shadows 
With an anxious look, uncertain, 
Waiting meekly, for reply. 
Allan entering from the garden 
Found the stranger at the door 
And with kindly words addressed him. 
Thinking of the gentle Savior, 
In the person of His poor. 
"Give me" said the weary woodman. 
"Food and lodging for the night, 
For ni}' feet refuse to bear me, 
And the shadowy wing of darkness 
From ni}' pathwa}' shuts the light." 

IV. 

"Many days my feet have wandered 
Worn and weary from the West. 
And I fear my strength would fail me, 
Ere I could by further seeking 
Find the wanted food and rest." 
"Thou art welcome," answered Allan; 
"He who for the strang^er cares 



THE WOODMAN. 59 

Has himself the greater blessing, 
Thus he sometimes entertaineth 
Holy Angels unawares. 

V. 

Every art the gentle household 

Tried the stranger guest to please. 

Kindly things the good can think of, 

By each tender heart were spoken 

Meant to make him feel at ease. 

As the evening passed the stranger 

Rising from the ample cheer 

Spoke in loving words, of Manaen, 

When surprised each one expectant 

Waited all intent to hear. 

"Do ye know of Manaen Hobah?" 

Said he— "by the Spirit blest, 

Bearing tidings of the Kingdom, 

And the Life Divine imparting 

To the red men of the West?" 

Ere they spoke he brushed a tear drop 

From the fountain of the eye, 

Saying in his deep emotion: 

"I had rather be that young man 

Than the proudest King to be." 

VI. 

"I have marked him in his walking 
'Mong the sinful sons of men. 
Followed through the vale of sorrow 
Whence he sought to bring the wand'rer 
Back into the fold again; 
Heard him calling through the woodlands. 



60 THE WOODMAN. 

By the caverns dark and deep ; 

Traced his footsteps o'er the mountains, 

And from savage paws of lions 

Seen him wrest the helpless sheep 

Through the slums where evil spirits 

Fill the sinful heart with woe, 

Hide the narrow path of duty, 

As the sunlight through the valleys 

Dail}^ would his footsteps go. 

Lost and stray the frail and erring 

Ever weak and prone to fall 

Heard afar his tender calling, 

As the sheep upon the mountains 

Hearken to the shepherd's call. 

Ever and anon a frail one 

Heard the voice with lifted head, 

Saw afar the gentle shepherd 

And from hidden foes and dangers 

Unsuspecting turned her tread." 

VII. 

"Chief among his works of mercy 
Was to plant the Eife within; 
For the Eife is more than body. 
As the body more than raiment. 
And shall never die again. 
Yea! The Gospel of the Kingdom 
Taught he as within a school, 
Till in fair and full proportion, 
Deeply felt and comprehended 
It was planted in the soul. 
Planted as the wheat and growing 
To perfection by the Word, 



THE WOODMAN. 61 

Seeds were dropped in other bosoms, 
Till the very world be planted 
For the sickle of the Lord." 

VIII. 

"All along the little valley 
Has the gentle young man been, 
Till the people living in it 
Have imbibed the loving spirit 
Of the lowh^ Mazarine. 
Through the gloomy vale of sorrow, 
Moving with a noiseless tread 
Press the unseen feet of angels. 
And newborn, rise souls immortal 
From the darkness and the dead." 

IX. 

"Christ, the I^ife arrayed in glory, 
I^eading on the heavenly train. 
Goes among the dead and dying 
Where the lost for help are crying 
And restores to Light again. 
Rising like the stars at midnight 
O'er the darkened world of sin ; 
Through the brightness of their rising, 
Other streaming eyes beholding. 
See the way and walk therein." 

X. 

"Then the gentle Savior, leading, 
Goes before them in the way. 
And they learn, that Life eternal 



62 THE WOODMAN. 

Is the might to do and suffer, 
As the Christ on Calvary. 
Holy Light over vale and woodland 
Shines the living soul within, 
Penetrates the hidden chambers, 
While the endless Kingdom cometh 
Daih^ in the hearts of men." 

XI. 

Here the touching story ended. 
And the Woodman drooped his head 
As afar his spirit wandered. 
And in peace, among the blessed 
Held communion with the dead. 
Still I hear the words he uttered 
As he brushed the tear away, 
Saying in his deep emotion: 
"I had rather be that young man 
Than the proudest King to be." 

XII. 

As the story was related 

Every heart was glad to hear ; 

As it ended Binea Hobah, 

Full of deep, restrained emotion 

Drew the rugged stranger near. 

"This" — he said — "this noble teacher 

Is my own beloved son." 

All you see before you know him, 

And his gentle manners for him 

In each heart a place has won. 

O'er these hills and through these valleys, 

Far and near his feet have trod, 



THE WOODMAN. 63 

As a faithful, loving shepherd 
Watching o'er the sheep and bringing 
Wand'rers to the fold of God. 
For the lost who walk in darkness 
Through the forests of the West, 
Hath he left his home and kindred, 
Zealous in his love, to bring them 
To the bosom of the Christ. 

XIII. 

Long our hearts have yearned for tidings, 

In our fear foreboding ill; 

P'or the dreadful war is cruel, 

And his ready pen and loving. 

Unrestrained, would not be still. 

"Is it long since you have seen him? 

Has he peace and is he well? 

Or doth an}^ danger threaten? 

Hath he secret foes about him? 

Of his present cans'tthou tell?" 

XIV. 

"It is long," replied the Woodman ; 
"When I left, 'twas early spring, 
Kre the leaves had clothed the forest, 
While with chilly blasts of autumn, 
Only now these words I bring. 
Then indeed no danger threatened. 
For the horrors of the war 
Had not crossed the peaceful prairies. 
Yea! We only heard the echoes 
From the bloody fields afar. ' ' 



64 THE WOODMAN. 

XV. 

"Lo! I bear no evil tidings, 
But themselves have taken wing, 
And I thought had come before me. 
For the air re-echoes evil. 
And the winds such tidings bring. 
While upon ni}' journey passing, 
Yea! 't was but the other da}^ 
At an inn I met a townsman. 
Who upon some secret mission 
Passed unknown along his way. 
As we sat that night together, 
Tearful news he had to tell. 
How a sorrow, unexpected, 
Came upon the peaceful mission, 
How the town a woe befell." 

XVI. 

"Through the quiet region passing. 
From a hostile city near. 
Led by white men, vile and cruel. 
Came a band of whites and negroes. 
Gloating in the spoils of war. 
The}^ who hated Manaen Hobah, 
Wrought by bolder hands, their sin. 
For the bribed the vicious leader. 
Who with hope of spoil and plunder. 
Led his band the town within. 

XVII. 

Knowing not, the loving people 
Gathered in the house of pra3'er. 
And the zealous teacher taught them, 



THE WOODMAN. 65 

Of the King and of His Kingdom, 
Of the princely powers fair. 
Yea! He stood among his people 
With his loving heart aglow, 
Hearing them and asking questions. 
Till the shadows from the mountain 
Rested on the vale below. 
Eagerly his people listened, 
When, arising from the plain, 
Came a sound of trampling horsemen. 
And, anon, with surly features, 
Rushed the band of armed men. 

XVIII. 

'Round the church, with glitt' ring sabers, 
Drawn, as if they faced a foe. 
Scowled they on the startled people, 
And, obedient to their orders, 
Suffered none to come or go. 
When the morning o'er the mountains 
Softly rose in peace again. 
Darkly 'gainst the blush of heaven 
Rose the smoke that told the ruin 
Wrought that night by beastly men. 

XIX. 

They who loved the gentle Manaen 

And the blessed ways of Light, 

Learned that some who scorned his teachings 

Were the guides, who, through these spoilers 

Wrought the horrors of that night. 

They had branded him a rebel. 

For his southern birth had been 



QQ THE WOODMAN. 

Wrong enough to serve their purpose, 
Though his strong and loving teaching 
And his power were his sin. 

XX. 

Flaming torches, burning, hissing, 

By the heartless band were placed 

Which through hallowed aisle and chancel, 

B}' the sacred desk and altar. 

Laid the rustic temple waste. 

Hands upraised alone in blessing 

Fast they bound with twisted cord, 

As the Jews and Roman soldiers 

Crowned with thorns the loving Jesus, 

Bound and led away their Lord. 

Then beyond the distant prairie, 

Far away with weary tread. 

Uncomplaining, meek and Christ-like, 

To some dreary, unknown prison 

Was the lonely captive led. 

XXI. 

They who listened to the Woodman 
Heard with heaving sighs of pain, 
With a grief too deep to utter, 
And from eyes unused to weeping 
Burning tears ran down like rain. 
None the bitter, crushing anguish 
Of that wretched night ma}^ know. 
Mute with grief was Binea Hobah, 
Through his aged, aching bosom 
Swept a flood of speechless woe. 



THE WOODMAN. 67 

But within no other bosom 
Was the piercing pang so keen 
As the fierce, heartrending anguish, 
Tearing as a sweeping tempest 
Through the heart of Mitylene. 

XXII. 

None could say a word to comfort, 
For no word could bring relief. 
Ever}^ heart was bowed in silence, 
As the branches of the willow, 
By the overwhelming grief. 
Sorrow brooded as the midnight 
O'er the hopes of former years. 
Cast a pall upon the future, 
Filled the air with dreadful shadows, 
And the loving hearts with fears. 
Slowly passed the long, sad moments 
Through the silence of the night. 
Sleep departed, and their Spirits, 
Peering through surrounding darkness. 
Waited for the dawn of light. 

XXIII. 

On the morrow gentle Allan 

For the stranger fearing, lest 

He were poor and might be needing, 

Filled a purse, and with his blessing. 

Gave it to his unknown guest. 

"This," he said, "in love is given 

Unto Jesus crucified, 

Who, to plant the Life of heaven. 

Living Love in every bosom. 



68 THE WOODMAN. 

On the shameful cross has died. 
Take it with thee, kindh' use it 
When in need, it may do good. 
If with plenty God has blessed thee, 
Then unto some needy brother 
Give it in the name of God." 

XXIV. 

Kindly was the gift accepted, 
With a radience from high 
Beaming from His form and features, 
Thus in tender words and loving, 
Made the rugged guest repl}": 
"Unto thee I came a stranger, 
All unknown, 3'ou took me in; 
I was hungry and you fed me, 
Thirst}' and to drink you gave me, 
Princely, in my need have been. 
Deeds of love done to God's children 
In the crying time of need 
Live forever and forever. 
On the heart of God recorded, 
Done unto the Christ indeed. ' ' 

XXV. 

"Be not faithless, but believing, 
For the will of God is good, 
Clouds that overcast the heavens 
Are the pinions of the angels 
Laden with the gifts of God. 
You shall see the gentle Manaen. 
He, the Lost, shall be restored, 
And the maiden shall behold him. 



THE WOODMAN. 69 

l]7u')i ilhimined by the Sphif 
She shall sec the Christ the Lord. ' ' 

XVI. 

Then the Woodman from his bosom 
Took a beauteous, polished stone. 
"This," he said, "I give a token 
Of the endless love I bear thee. 
Take it, keep it as thine own. 
When another shall be given 
Which shall seem alike to thee. 
Closely fit the two together; 
In the words upon them written 
Thou the living Christ shalt see. '' 
Kind adieus received and given. 
Passed the Woodman from the sight, 
While upon the troubled household 
Slowly settled down their sorrow, 
Deep'ning as the shades of night. 

XXVII. 

A Change. 

As upon the great Atlantic 
Storm clouds gather in the sky. 
And abroad the vivid lightning 
Leaping from the vaults of heaven, 
Shakes the caverns of the sea, 
And the muttering waves with clamor 
Angr}^ seek the distant shore. 
Rolling on, in foam and blackness, 
Bearing every bark before them 
On to shipwreck and to woe. 



70 THE WOODMAN. 

So three 3'ears of dreadful tumult 
Of the war had passed awa}^ 
x\nd the loved ones of 1113^ story 
Scattered were, forlorn and wretched, 
As the shipwrecked on the sea. 

XXVIII. 

All the lovely home of Allan, 
Wrecked and ruined, sere and brown, 
Was a heap of cindered rubbish, 
And the stillness of the ruin 
Was the sorrow of the town. 
It was said, a time of anguish 
Came upon the city fair, 
That a roving band, for plunder, 
Came at night and burned the dwelling, 
And the loved ones perished there. 
Binea Hobah heard a rumor 
That his Manaen had been slain, 
That his heart's blood wet the prairie. 
And his bones, unknown, unburied. 
Bleached upon the Western plain. 
And there came no tidings from him. 
From his own, or foreign lands. 
Or withheld by some official. 
Who retained them for a purpose, 
Came not to his aged hands. 

XXIX. 

Rumor, cruel and unfriendly 
Told, how at the close of day 
Came a woodman bearing tidings, 
And unseen, at early dawning 



THE WOODMAN. 71 

With the shadows passed awa}-; 

How the loved ones of ni}' story, 

Sympathizing with the foe, 

All unworthy and disloyal. 

Clothed and fed the secret agents 

In their passing to and fro. 

How the woe that came upon them 

Was the sword in Justice's hand, 

Only lifted up to punish 

Those who careless of their dut^' 

Sinned against their native land. 

XXX. 

Weary moments, sorrow freighted; 
In a long, long, cheerless train. 
Passed away as Israel's children 
Wandering from Bael Zephon, 
Through the Red Sea, over the plain. 
Time departed; yet, no tidings! 
None the loved and lost had seen! 
And the vines crept over the ruins, 
As the tendrils had been guided 
By the hand of Mitylene. 
Flitting birds came down at evening, 
Singing, as they came to tell 
How they saw- the cruel soldiers 
Burn the peaceful home to cinders, 
How the flames lit up the vale. 

XXXI. 

springtime came with mirth and beauty, 
And the Winter came with snow. 



72 THE WOODMAN. 

In the Summer moved the shadows 
Where the gentle, loving maiden 
Years agone would come and go. 
Then there came a gladsome Springtime, 
When the lawn was green and fair, 
And the shadows fell in softness 
All along the silent pathwa^^ 
By the elm tree and arm chair. 

XXXII. 

Then there came a noiseless footstep 
With a solemn, silent tread. 
Came a beauteous, palid maiden. 
As some fair angelic Spirit 
Of the saintl}^ blessed dead. 
With a mien subdued and placid. 
Down the shaded wa\' she trod, 
As within herself she struggled 
With her heart, subdued to bring it 
Fashioned to the will of God. 

XXXIII. 

Resting in the mossy arm chair, 
Far away her spirit roved 
With the swiftness of an angel. 
Passing over seas and nations, 
Seeking for the much beloved. 
Then it came again unto her, 
For the search had been in vain. 
Nowhere could it find her Manaen, 
Winging through each far off nation, 
And o'er every distant main. 



THE WOODMAN. 73 

XXXIV. 

Then with white hands meekly folded, 
Fairer than the snow is fair, 
With her eyes upturned and pleading, 
And her poor heart bruised and bleeding 
Turned she to her God in prayer. 

XXXV. 

"Father! In Thy Mercy hear me ; 

Let ni}^ prayer be not in vain! 

Bring, O Bring the lost one to me 

As Thy blessed son, the Bridegroom 

Coming for His Bride again ! 

If it please Thee, Holy Father, 

That my poor heart suffer still. 

Give me grace to bow submissive, 

Knowing that to be most blessed 

Is to do and bear Thy will ! ' ' 

Though Thou leadest through the furnace, 

And the heat be seven fold; 

Where Thou leadest Thou art present, 

And the poorest of Thy children 

To Thy loving hand may hold. 

By the furnace Thou dost fashion 

Whom Thou lovest like to Thee ; 

Turn the melting gold to fineness. 

And by biting flame, consuming. 

Ever drive the dross away. 

He who made the worlds of beauty 

Glitter through the halls of night 

Cannot err, when by His Spirit 

P'ashons He the Soul immortal. 

Evermore to shed His Lisfht. 



74 THE WOODMAN. 

Through the burning fiery furnace 

Though we pass unwiUing feet, 

Holy Light and heavenh' beauty 

Only come from out the burning, 

As the pure gold from the heat. 

May my heart submissive, bending, 

Meekl}^ learn to do and bear, 

Till by doing and by bearing, 

All my life is crowned with jewels, 

Such as holy angels wear. 

It is better, O My Father! 

To have strength to love Thy will. 

Strength to bear it, strength to do it, 

Than to have all earthly sweetness, 

And to drink it to the fill. 

Hear, O Father, then my pleading ; 

All along life's bitter way 

Lead Thou me with Light unfailing, 

Till through darkness, toil and danger 

At the last I rest in Thee. 

XXXVI. 

Thus the loving prayer was ended, 
And with noiseless step and light. 
Passed away the palid maiden. 
And anon, along the pathway 
Crept the shadows of the night. 



t 



Marantha. 



Canto IV. 



The Exiles. 

Lo! I am with you always.— S/. Matt., xxviii, 20. 



Rising from the silver waters 
Spreads a beauteous land and bright. 
Mountains overtopping mountains, 
Reared aloft between two oceans, 
Pierce the golden realms of light; 
Wondrous powers, moving softly 
On their radiant wings unseen 
Through the lovely shaded valleys 
Rear the living forms of beauty 
To the heavy gaze of men; 
Sprinkling with their restless fingers 
Lovely flowers here and there. 
As they spread them in the pathwa3" 
Of the ever-living Father, 
From the shining worlds afar. 
From the earth the palm uplifting, 
And the Mangoe dark and green, 



76 THE EXILES. 

Beauteous forms of life unfolding, 
As for better, nobler creatures 
Than the sinful sons of men. 
Through the azure depths of heaven 
Move the}' fleecy clouds of light, 
Lead the shining worlds unnumbered, 
As the forces of Christ's Kingdom 
Moving 'gainst the shades of night. 

II. 

Men unthinking, dull, unconscious, 

As the worm beside the wa}' 

Dwell among celestial powers, 

Brushed b}^ beating wings of angels, 

Knowing not, unapt to see. 

In and through and round about them 

Dwelleth God, enrobed in Light, 

All unknown, while through and through them 

Pass unheeded hidden forces 

Moving with resistless might. 

III. 

To this land from out the distance, 

Crowding on the surging flood. 

Come the waves as living creatures 

Lifting up their hands and falling 

Suppliant at the throne of God ; 

As they wept with great hearts bleeding 

For the sinful race of men. 

As they saw the woes impending. 

Saw the death without an ending, 

And the impious tribes of sin ; 

Saw the foe with aspect dreadful, 



THE EXILES. 77 

In the Church, with iron rod, 
Dark, relentless and persistent, 
Prince malignant, o'er the people 
Reigning in the room of God ; 
Saw him and in pity pleaded, 
lyest the hope of men should fail ; 
Lest the foe should so oppress them. 
That their Light go out in darkness, 
And the gates of hell prevail. 

IV. 

As the temple's wall uplifted, 
Range on range the mountains high 
Touch the starry roof of heaven, 
And the milk}^ clouds as spirits 
Wander through the azure sky. 
As a solemn miserrere. 
Zephyrs whisper, light and thin. 
And their passing through the forests 
Make the tiny leaves to tremble 
As the hearts of sinful men ; 
Make them tremble as hereafter. 
When the graves give up their dead, 
Men look back in fear and tremble 
In dismay, too late repentant 
For the thoughtless lives they've led. 

V. 

In a vale where green clad mountains 
Seem a pathway to the sk}^ 
And the softened hues of evening 
Hide the dwellings of the angels 
From the longing of the eye ; 



78 THE EXILES. 

B}' a rushing mountain torrent, 
In the deepness of a vale, 
Cultured, gentle, meek and Christ-like 
Gathered by a common sorrow, 
Strangers in their exile dwell. 
Many fearless, noble spirits. 
Clothed upon by weaker clay. 
Princely men and gentle women, 
Strong and resolute to suffer 
Waited in this land, awa3\ 
Here the gentle race of Aztecs 
Dwell in peace in vale and wood 
Following imperfect teaching, 
Hidden by a veil of darkness 
From the blessed truths of God. 

VI. 

In their midst, a thing of beaut3% 

Fair and bright the sweet Church stood. 

Daily from the ancient belfry 

Called the bell as if an angel ; 

Called and led the flock of God. 

This fair temple long deserted 

In the woe of other days. 

In compassion for their sorrow 

Had been given to the exiles 

For the tuneful voice of praise. 

For the Christ had journied with them, 

Ever unseen, by their side 

Leading hosts of high-born Spirits 

Where they met, within their temple 

Morning and at even-tide. 

Filled with Life, the heart's devotion 



THE EXILES. 79 

Rose upon the air awa}-, 
As a part of heaven's worship, 
Floating through the azure cloud-land 
At the dawn and close of day, 
Flooding all the vale with music, 
Upward towards the distant sky, 
Rising o'er the lofty mountains. 
Trembling on the wings and pressing 
To the throne of God on high. 

VII. 

He who read the holy service 
In his grey locks meekly stood, 
As his silver head were whitened. 
And his loving features lightened. 
By his nearness unto God. 
It was Allan, Allan Ruel, 
Leading to the realms of da}-, 
Whether in his home beloved 
With the dear ones of his bosom, 
Or with strangers far away. 

VIII. 

In this village was a custom 

Handed down from other da3\s. 

Long observed by priest and people. 

As a parable enwoven 

In the fabric of their ways; 

In the holy Advent season — 

Kept by all — a joj^ous feast 

Pictured forth the church triumphant, 

Clothed in heavenly light and beauty. 

Made forever one with Christ. 



80 THE EXILES. 

IX. 

From the maidens of the villiage, 

In the bright Ascension-tide, 

When the holy church's service 

Tells us of the Bridegroom's coming, 

One is chosen for the bride. 

But the Bridegroom, none must know him 

Till he comes the bride to claim; 

When the priest of God revealing, 

Shall disclose unto the people 

The beloved and well-known name. 

If there be no plighted loved one. 

Then the bride must wed the Christ; 

If there be, then doubly married, 

In the person of her loved one, 

I^eans she on the Savior's breast. 

X. 

From the service learn the people 

That the Christ God's only Son, 

To Himself and in the Father 

Shall unite, though now asunder, 

All God's people into one; 

That the growth in heavenly graces 

Is the robing for the feast ; 

That the love all men enfolding. 

Is the church in oneness gathered 

To the bosom of the Christ. 

Yea! They learn, and loving, listen 

Through the flowing Christian year, 

While the voices of the seasons 

Crying through the midnight darkness, 

Tell us that the Lord is near. 



THE EXILES. 81 



XI. 



In her chamber, chosen virgins 
Place the jewels on the bride, 
While on wings the fleeting moments 
Pressing onward from the future 
To the long forgotten glide. 
In the gathering shades of evening, 
Through the darkness comes the groom. 
Eager with his comrades, ready, 
That with music, mirth and gladness 
He may bear his loved one home. 

XII. 

On the way still other virgins 

With their lamps, the oil beside, 

W^eary with the long delaying 

Sleep, until the trumpet's warning 

Calls them forth to meet the bride. 

Each one waits, with oil provided 

In her vessel, for dela}^; 

Thus to teach that for Christ's coming 

Every soul must be well furnished. 

Without lack, while yet 'tis day. 

When anon the twain are wedded, 

Then along the mountain heights 

Runs the cry: ' 'The Bridegroom cometh' ' 

Then from sleep arise the virgins 

And in gladness trim their lights; 

Thus we learn that heavenly knowledge 

Lights the narrow, thorny way, 

That the church must come through darkness 

To the royal habitations 

And the light of endless day. 



82 THE EXILES. 

XIII. 

Long had passed the fleeting season 
Of the bright x\scension-tide. 
And the tender, loving maiden 
Had been chosen from the strangers 
As the meetest Advent Bride. 
She beloved by all her comrades 
Was the gentle Mit3'lene. 
Dwelling with her loving parents, 
Working with them in their exile, 
Meekly for the good of men. 
He Who chast'neth whom He loveth 
Had not spared the chast'ning rod, 
Till her young heart turned as meekly 
As the heart of Jeptha's daughter 
To the blessed will of God. 

XIV. 

Sorrow hung her drooping pinions 
Thrown in shadows o'er her face, 
And a heavenly benediction 
Touched her fair and lovely features 
With a soft angelic grace. 
In the temple of her bosom 
High-born Spirits, sent of God, 
Ministered the Life eternal, 
Where upon a throne erected 
Reigned in Light the risen Lord. 
Her sweet Spirit bowing meekly 
Followed where His feet had lead, 
Building the eternal kingdom. 
Filling up with him the number 
Of the living from the dead. 



THE EXILES. 83 

XV. 

In the sultry days of summer, 
When upon the air unseen, 
Pestilence, disease and anguish. 
Hung with beating wing, but noiseless 
O'er the saddened homes of men. 
Sent of God to check or chasten. 
Lest the thoughtless feet should stray, 
And forgetful of the ending. 
Of the Life or Death impending 
Should forever miss their wa}'. 
Sent to some to scourge and turn them, 
Some to gather to their rest. 
Some to bring unto their portion 
With the false and unbelieving 
Who reject the love of Christ. 

XVI. 

In a rustic, vine-clad cottage, 
In a garden by the wood. 
Restless in a burning fever 
Laid an aged, Christian Aztec, 
Chastened by the hand of God. 
Here unseen, the loving Savior 
With the heavenl}^ host had been; 
Here, as if herself an angel. 
With the morning, or the evening, 
Came the gentle Mitylene. 

XVII. 

Once she sat beside her patient 
When returning health and light 



84 THE EXILES. 

Lit his features, as the morning 
Bursting sweetly o'er the mountains 
Drives away the shades of night. 
In her heart the thought had risen 
Of her Manaen, and the eye 
Of the sick man saw her sorrow. 
As a cloud had cast a shadow, 
Passing through the sunlit sk}^ 

XVIII. 

"Why," said he, "Should one w^ho comforts 

Others in their sore distress 

Bear alone some secret burden, 

Which another by the sharing 

Might remove or make it less?" 

"It indeed," she said, "is blessed 

All God's holy wall to bear, 

But thyself, to be more blessed, 

Reachest forth thy heart to help me 

And the deepest grief to share." 

XIX. 

"Listen then unto my stor}-. 
Though the proffered help be vain. 
It may while away a moment, 
And the tear that falls in pitj^ 
Is a soothing balm for pain. 
In our home, myself and parents. 
By a green wood dwelt alone, 
And a dear one, Manaen Hobah, 
Was the son of our next neighbor, 
Loved and honored in the town. 
We in childhood played together, 



THE EXILES. 85 

Children each the other won. 
Our young hearts were bound together, 
As two vines with twining tendrils 
Grown together, seem but one. 

XX. 

Long we loved and long were happy 
In our wretched land away, 
Living fondly for each other. 
And we hoped to tread together 
Hand in hand, life's thorny way. 
Then a storm swept o'er our country 
As a tempest o'er the sea, 
And our home was wrecked and ruined ; 
Friends and loved ones far were driven, 
Helpless to this land away. 

XXI. 

Manaen Hobah, faithful, loyal 
To the blessed church of God, 
Won the hatred of the erring, 
Who, unloving, have departed 
From the oneness of the Lord. 
Suffered he most cruel sorrows 
From the hate of sect and clan, 
Some have said was foully murdered. 
With this sad and painful story 
Long I wept for Manaen, 
Then in prison did I .suffer 
From a tyrant's cruel hand, 
For my own dear bleeding people 
In the fierce, unequal struggle 
Surging o'er our fated land. 



86 THE EXILES. 

XXII. 

When relieved, I labored fondl}^ 

With a lo3'al heart and true, 

For the sick and wounded, dying, 

Of my own poor stricken people, 

As I thought my Lord would do. 

Once among the dead and dying, 

Where I labored day by day, 

P'rom a wasted, palid stranger 

Heard I of my poor, lost Manaen, 

In the savage wilds, away. 

Then with aching heart I wandered 

To the red men of the wood ; 

But no tidings came of Manaen. 

Some there were who said the prairies 

Long ago had drank his blood. 

XXIII. 

Then with one, an aged red man 

As protector by the wa}-, 

Up and dow^n the vales and mountains 

Looked I for the loved and lost one. 

Where his wand'ring steps might stray. 

"Know you not of Manaen Hobah 

From the land from which I came ? 

Do his footsteps press these mountains ?" 

Or from others coming, going, 

"Have 3''ou ever heard his name? 

Do you know him ? Have you seen him 

In the countr}^ far or near ? 

Have you heard of any stranger 

Wandering in lonely exile 

Driven by the cruel war?" 



THE exii.es. 87 

XXIV. 

Then the sick man, careful, fearing 
Lest he rouse a hope in vain, 
Said as memory touched a fountain 
"Listen while I tell a story, 
Yet, thy footsteps to detain. 
Here, in Autumn, in the evening, 
When the rosy, colored light, 
Rested on the quiet woodlands. 
And the golden clouds and fleecy 
Floated o'er the mountain height. 
Shadows as the wings of Spirits 
Hung above the vale and wood. 
Overspread the quiet cottage, 
Where beside the vine-clad window. 
In the softened light I stood. 
Evening, with her trailing garments. 
Crowned with golden stars of light 
Hovered o'er the vales and mountains 
And with twinkling, jeweled fingers 
Op'd the chambers of the night." 

XXV. 

"Then with weary footsteps pressing 

Came a stranger to my door, 

Came a young man, strong but wayworn, 

And his gentle, manly features 

Many marks of sorrow bore. ' ' 

* 'Give me, stranger' ' — said the wand'rer, 

"Food and lodging, for distressed 

Is my heart, my limbs are aching, 

And my body used to hardships 

Faints for wanted food and rest." 



88 THE EXILES. 

"Come" said I, "for wear}- strangers 
Welcome, from afar, or near, 
Ma}^ the merc^- of the Father 
Ever give me strength to gather 
And provide them food and cheer. 
Through the evening, talking little. 
Seemed his spirit far away. 
As it sought some loved and lost one. 
And unmindful of the body 
Hasted, nor could brook delay." 

XXVI. 

"As the evening passed, perceiving 
That I saw and felt his woe 
Plied he me with earnest questions 
Of all strangers in the countr}^, 
Of those passing to and fro. 
Then he told me of his sorrows. 
Of the one he loved and lost. 
How in foreign lands she wandered, 
While her own, her native country, 
As the sea, was tempest tossed. 
Yea ! He told me how in dreaming 
Came the heavenly forms of light, 
How he saw the holy angels 
Bearing his beloved one to him 
In the visions of the night." 

XXVII. 

"As to name ni}^ mem'ry fails me, 
Yea ! He told me not, I ween. 
But the loved one whom he sought for. 
Mentioned fondly in his storj^. 



THE EXILES. 89 

Was some gentle Mit3'lene. 
This indeed may be thy lost one, 
And with feet that will not rest, 
Guided by the hand of Heaven 
He will surel}^ come and finding, 
Clasp thee to his loving breast." 
"Where he wanders, may the angels 
Ever keep a w^atchful guard 
Where are foes, or hidden dangers 
May he ever rest securely 
Underneath the wnngs of God." 

XXVIII. 

"Is it long since thou hast seen him ? 
May he not" she said "be found? 
May not still his footsteps linger 
In some quiet woodland village 
In the lovely vales around?'' 
"It is long, but God is loving ;" 
Said the sick man — "It may be 
That wathin the way he wandered 
Is the impress of his spirit. 
Which a trace and guide may be." 

XXIX. 

"Wilt thou tell me" said the maiden, 

"Of the dream and forms of light? 

How he vSaw God's holy angels 

Bearing his beloved one to him 

In the visions of the night ?' ' 

"Go this time," he said "to-morrow 

I wall try the dream to tell ; 

Now^ my failing strength forbids me, 



90 THE EXILES. 

And the growing shadows warn me 
That delay would not be well. 
But your asking now reminds me 
Of a package and the name, 
It was brought me by a neighbor 
Who had found it off the highway, 
In the path the stranger came. 
On the mantel thou wilt find it, 
And a picture thou mayst know. 
At the least these may inform us 
Whether he, the wear}^ wand'rer, 
Was th}' Manaen or no.'' 

XXX. 

On the package, plainly written, 

Manaen 's well known name was seen, 

For it was most highly valued, 

And the picture was the image 

Of the lovely Mitylene. 

"This is Manaen" said the maiden, 

"I myself am Mitylene. 

Oh! How blessed the assurance 

That the Father's hand doth lead me 

Where those weary feet have been ! 

May I take these treasures with me ? 

For they seem by heaven sent 

In the deepness of ni}' sorrow 

Lovingl}^ to guide my footsteps. 

In the way m}' Manaen went." 

' 'Take them with thee, ' ' said the sick man 

"Search and all the message see. 

When again, thou com'st to me. 

If the dream is there recorded 

Kindly bring: and read to me." 



THE EXILES. 91 

XXXI. 

So the loving maiden, gladdened, 
Sought with lighter heart her home ; 
Tender eyes that waited for her, 
At the lightness of her footsteps 
Brightened as they saw her come. 
Flitting birds seemed 3'et to linger, 
Floating downward on the wing. 
As they, seeing, felt her gladness, 
And through all the leafy forests 
Only could their gladness sing. 
In the West the hues of twilight 
Lovelier grew than e'er before, 
As the Angels had descended 
And to lift the gloom of darkness 
Opened wide, the heaven's door. 

XXXII. 

As with rapid tongue her story 
Poured she into eager ears, 
Hopes as rays of light from heaven 
Touched within the hidden fountains 
Till the eylids rained with tears. 

XXXIII. 

All that night through paths of Eden, 
Lighted up with heavenly beams, 
Through the cooling, shaded bowers. 
She, beneath the wings of angels. 
Walked with Manaen in her dreams. 
Long before the birds awakened. 
Singing through the dewey wood. 



92 THE EXILES. 

While the sky was still uncurtained 
Rose her soul, on snowy pinions 
Worshiping and praising God. 
Ere the ros}^ blush of morning 
Rested on the mountain height, 
New-born hopes on wings arising 
Leading filled the way before her 
With a holier, sweeter light. 
On their restless wings attendant, 
Went they with her through the day 
When again she sought her patient, 
As a winged band before her, 
Led the}' through the shaded way. 






t 



Maranatha, 



Canto V. 



The Dream. 



It shall come to pass, afterward, that I will pour out 
my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daugh- 
ters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, 
3'our young men shall see visions.— yoe/, ii, '28. 



I. 

Now again the fair attendant, 
Feeling some great blessing near, 
Meekly sat beside her patient 
Who with wistful eyes awaited 
Longingly, the dream to hear; 
For the writing he had rescued 
Was the very dream indeed; 
Knowing this he bowed as humbly 
As would any lowly mortal 
Listening to an angel read. 
"Thou shalt hear angelic teachings,' 
Said the maiden, "for it seems 
That the wond'rous truths of heaven, 
Framed by angels into pictures. 
Often reach the soul in dreams." 



94 THE DREAM. 

II. 

"Lo! I came," so wrote the dreamer, 
"Weary, at the close of da}' 
To my cottage in the woodland, 
'Mid the tall trees of the forest 
Hidden from the world awa}-. 
There upon my couch reclining 
Thought I of the way of Light; 
How the host of men, unheeding. 
Pass the beauteous gate of heaven 
To the gloomy vale of night. 

III. 

As I thought, a grateful slumber 
Soothed my aching heart to rest, 
And my painful, deep emotions 
Sank as troubled waves subsiding 
Softly on the ocean's breast. 
Then there came a holy angel 
Brightly vested from the sk}^, 
As the fairer Light of heaven, 
From the pearly gates descending, 
Rested on me where I la}-." 
That bright veil that shuts the vision 
From the glorious realms of Light, 
Rolled he back as rosy morning 
From the shaded walks of Eden, 
Rolled the curtain of the night. 

IV. 

Then I saw a hol}^ virgin 
Clothed in beauty as the day. 



THK DREAM. 95 

Crowned with twelve bright stars and walking 

Through the flow'ry paths of Eden, 

In the solemn twilight grey. 

Then again, within a mansion 

Roofed with stars and filled with light, 

In a chamber, rich and beauteous, 

Stood the fair and holy virgin 

In the vision of the night. 

V. 

Radiant, winged forms attended 
Where with glitt'ring feet she stood; 
Armed and strong, in might resistless, 
Moved in peerless ranks about her 
Legions of the hosts of God. 
Many voices rich as music 
Floating through the heavens said, 
"This is She, the Royal Virgin, 
Daughter well belov'd of Zion, 
Whom the Lamb of God shall wed." 

VI. 

When in softened light, the evening 

Over hill and vale afar. 

Floating on her golden pinions. 

Through the azure depths of heaven 

Left the pearly gates ajar. 

From His starry halls descending 

Through the shadows of the night. 

By the heavenly host attended, 

Came the heavenh' Bridegroom, resting 

On the radiant wino:s of Lieht. 



96 THE DREAM. 

VIL 

lyong within the lighted mansion, 
Through the spacious halls and wide 
Waited He, while in her chamber 
Angels with their burning fingers, 
Decked the person of the Bride ; 
Cleansed her loveh' form with hyssop, 
Ev'r}' stain with burning ray, 
Ev'ry darkened spot, or wrinkle, 
Bv'ry blemish from her person 
Took forevermore away. 

VIII. 

On the pathway of the ages. 

As departing moments swept, 

Sinking wearied into slumber, 

Undisturbed by noise or clamor, 

Multitudes, unnumbered, slept. 

By their burning lamps reclining. 

Overcome b}' long delay. 

Virgins called to meet the Bridegroom ; 

Thus while waiting long and wearied. 

Slumbered on the narrow wa}'. 

Some were well with oil provided, 

Some with lamps, but no supply. 

All forgetful that at midnight 

They will miss the Bridegroom's coming, 

When in need they go to bu}-. 

IX. 

While I looked, in gloom appalling 
As the blackness of the night. 
On a sable throne and horrid, 



THE DREAM. 97 

Wise and subtile sat a dragon, 
Darker than the gloom of night. 
At his feet the royal virgin, 
With her garments trailed in blood, 
With her jeweled hands enfolded, 
Raised her streaming e3^es to heaven 
Pleading in her tears with God. 

X. 

But the dreadful, sable Monarch 
Scowled upon her from his throne, 
And his minions in their anger 
Full of hatred, fierce and cruel 
Trode her beauteous robes upon. 
"This is she, in pride presumptions. 
Who would o'er the nations reign," 
Said the false priests and false prophets. 
As the}^ trode her robes and jewels 
With the trampling feet of swine. 

XI. 

There they scoffed and spat upon her 
And upon the knee would fall. 
Striking with their palms and mocking, 
As the crowd that mocked the Savior 
In the common judgment hall; 
Shouting as the rabble shouted 
When they led Him on to die; 
Wagged their heads and looked upon her 
As upon the fainting Jesus 
On the hill of Calvary. 
None there was at hand to save her, 
None to pity her distress, 



98 THE DREAM. 

Given to the tempter's power 
Till the coming time appointed 
For the succor and redress. 

XII. 

From the dark abyss arising, 
Fearful in their dreadful might, 
Seven Spirits, wise and subtile. 
Conscious of malignent power 
Rose, as shadows of the night. 

XIII. 

PRIDE. 

Unto one erect and haughty. 

As the leader of the band, 

Was committed such strange power, 

That in every generation 

Milhons perish by his hand. 

He it is that paralizes 

All the powers of the soul, 

Turns the eyes forever outward. 

Lest they see the subtile forces 

Which the hidden thoughts control , 

Suffers not his feeble captives 

Helpless in his iron sway. 

Ought to know of love and duty, 

Light and Life and heavenly Wisdom, 

Which the born of God may see. 

Lo! he fills the hving chambers 

Of the helpless soul with night. 

Draws a sombre curtain over. 

Hides the beauteous ways of heaven 

From the lifting of the sight. 



THE DREAM. 99 

XIV. 

LUST. 

To another strength was given: 

Fair, seductive to portray 

To the mind such scenes of softness, 

To arouse such inward burnings 

As may turn all feet astray. 

And the Soul within her chamber 

All unconscious of the w^oe, 

Sits as David at his window, 

While the lovely hurtful visions 

Work within the overthrow. 

XV. 

COVETOUSNHSS. 

To another strength was given, 
Still for ruin, woe and pain. 
To arouse a flame consuming, 
A remorseless, deathless yearning 
For the heaping up of gain, 
Yearning, which is all absorbing, 
W^hich for gold all blessing yields ; 
Wrongs the widow and the orphan, 
And defrauds the honest hireling 
Whose hard labor reaps his fields ; 
Yearning which will rouse the nations 
To a strange remorseless strife, 
And for gold to fill their coffers, 
Make them sack great towns and cities. 
Prodigal of human life. 



100 THE DREAM. 

XVI. 
ENVY. 

And another had the power, 
Meanest of the cruel clan : 
To corrupt the living fountains, 
Poison all the deep emotions 
Rising from the heart of man, 
Till the soul debased, corrupted, 
Grieveth for another's gain, 
Pines in hate of others' blessings, 
Labors as a slave to mar them, 
Happy in a brother's pain. 

XVII. 

GLUTTONY. 

Still another had the power 
What is beastly to unbind ; 
Drown the soul in self indulgence, 
In excess of eating, drinking, 
Sink the hope of humankind, 
Till besotted, base, corrupted 
Sleep they in a dreamless sleep 
That no loving voice can waken, 
Though it be the cry of Jesus 
Calling for the wand 'ring sheep. 

XVIII. 

MURDER. 

Blackest of the clan another. 
Foul and dreadful where he stood, 
Had the power, base and cruel, 



THK DREAM. 101 

To arouse the soul and drive it 
On to horrid deeds of blood, 
Till as born of hell and perfect 
In the deep excess of sin, 
He had turned his face forever 
To the darkest ways of evil, 
Madly prone to walk therein. 

XIX. 

SLOTH. 

Still another, O, how dreadful ! 
All the being could control, 
Had the power, strange, resistless. 
To congeal life's hidden currents. 
As the night-mare of the soul, 
To oppress it with inaction. 
Burden wdth a pond'rous load. 
Till the powers born of heaven 
Fail wath holy Light to lead it 
'Long the narrow^ w^ay to God. 
Not for joy and peace eternal. 
Heavenly Life, nor fadeless crown, 
Nor from wrong to rest forever. 
For beyond this vale of sorrow, 
Would it feel the biting thorn. 

XX. 

Then away the dragon flying, 
Hidden save from quickened sight. 
Over all the wiles of evil 
Clothed himself and those about him 
In the deepest shades of night. 



102 THE DREAM. 

High above the hosts of evil 
Towered he with lowering crest, 
Reigning with malignant power 
In the open light of heaven, 
As the dreadful Aniechrist. 

XXI. 

THE FOUR POWERS. 

With him four unhol}' spirits 

Born of endless darkness came, 

Clothed with strength to cloud the vision, 

And above the sleeping nations 

Darkness spread in Jesus' name. 

In the panopl}' of heaven 

Others moved along Life's way, 

Fearful, in their hidden power 

To deceive the soul, unguarded, 

And to lead her steps astray. 

XXII. 

Where the virgin stood bewildered, 
There with hidden guile replete. 
Moved these subtile, \\\\y spirits 
And the doctrines, foul of devals, 
Strewed as jewels at her feet ; 
Or in winning wiles beside her, 
Crafty, watchful, led they on 
Where the fruits of evil knowledge 
Hung in fair and golden clusters. 
Through their devious ways unknown. 



THE DREAM. 103 

XXIII. 

Then, alas! The virgin thoughtless, 
Weakly ate at their behest, 
When behold ! The Prince of Darkness 
Reared aloft his throne within her. 
And her thoughtless footsteps turning, 
Led her from the love of Christ. 
Then along the ways of evil, 
Walked she on with willing feet. 
And unto the golden clusters, 
Stretching forth her hand and taking, 
Lifting to her lips, did eat. 
Then within and round about her 
Lo! A dreadful darkness came, 
And a lurid flame was kindled, 
While the spirits, foul, exultant, 
Led her through and through the flame. 
Loud she cried in bitter anguish 
Bathed in burning, flowing tears ; 
Raised her folded hands to heaven ; 
Pleaded with her eyes uplifted. 
Through the dreary tide of years. 
Down through long and gloomy ages, 
In the melting heat she burned ; 
Biting flames coiled round about her, 
And a seething lake was swelling 
Ev'ry wa}^ her footsteps turned. 
Loud and sad her bitter wailings 
Pierced unto the distant skies 
And the radiant hosts of heaven, 
Resting on the wing to listen. 
Pitying, wept to hear her cries. 



104 THE DREAM. 

XXIV. 

Then the Lord, as once when sleeping 
On the bosom of the deep, 
Heard the wailing of her anguish 
And arising came unto her. 
As if wakened from a sleep. 
As He stood in love beside her 
In the burning flame, behold! 
All her features glowed and glistened. 
And the Life made perfect in her. 
Glittered as the burnished gold. 
Fair and clean her flowing vestments 
As the driven snow grew^ white, 
While descending and ascending. 
From and to the gates of heaven. 
Came and went the forms of light. 

XXV. 

Fairer than the dawn in Eden, 
Ere the fruitful birth of sin; 
Lord of Life, the seven-fold Spirit 
Winging from the throne of heaven 
Led the shining, heavenl}^ train. 

XXVI. 
HOLY FEAR. 

Hol}^ Fear, with wings extended 
As a flaming, burning star. 
In the Light of God effulgent. 
Winging came in princely armor 
As a peerless man-of-war. 
Unto Him a strength was given, 



THE DREAM. 105 

111 the darkness of the night 
To descry the forms of evil, 
Gloomy, subtile, strong and hidden, 
'Long the narrow way of Light, 
To arouse the soul that slumbers. 
Show the dangers on the way. 
Lest the heedless feet should stumble, 
Lest the glittering snare enticing. 
Turn the thoughtless heart astray. 

XXVII. 
TRUE GODLINESS. 

Next came one in form majestic. 
Beauteous, fairer than the light. 
Strong to lift the soul and fill it 
With the love of truth, exceeding 
All the force of Satan's might. 
That through gloomy realms of darkness 
It may walk with feet secure, 
Though it fall, 3^et ever rising. 
Though it stoop to help the fallen, 
Still remaining ever pure; 
Cleansing every spot and blemish 
By the washing of the blood, 
Of that blood, the Life transmitted, 
Symbolized in blood of victims, 
[ 'ery Life of Christ, of God. 

XXVIII. 
KNOWLEDGE. 

Next a Spirit full of power 
To light up the heavenly way 



106 THE DREAM. 

Stood aloft in shining vestments, 
Beaming with celestial beauty, 
Which no e3^e of flesh may see; 
Filling all the living chambers 
Of the new-born soul with Light, 
Till it sees the matchless powers 
Of the Savior's endless Kingdom, 
Overcoming death and night. 
Sees the radiant forms of heaven, 
By the carnal world unseen. 
Giving Life to souls unnumbered, 
By it building up the Kingdom 
In the new-born hearts of men, 
Sees the wa^^ of Life and dut}^ 
Shining as the Truth of God, 
Marked with foot-prints of the Savior, 
And adorned, as if by rubies, 
B}^ the flowing of His blood; 
Sees it winding through the darkness, 
Through the hidden ways of sin; 
Sees the countless, prowling demons 
Sleepless as the stars, and watching 
'Gainst the helpless souls of men; 
Sees it winding hard and narrow, 
Rugged, rough, as all untrod, 
As no mortal's daring footsteps, 
Fearless, could assay to walk it 
To the rest and peace of God. 

XXIX. 

GHOSTLY STRENGTH. 

Next another flaming Spirit, 
As a giant armed for war, 



THE DREAM. 107 

Clothed with power as a raiment, 
Towered in His strength resplendent, 
As the bright and morning star. 
By His might the soul awakened, 
Flooded by eternal day, 
Gazing on the path of duty 
Has the strength to rise and walk it 
All along its bitter way ; 
And with grace Divine and matchless, 
Knowing God's most holy will, 
Fearless, will, unyielding do it, 
Trusting, will bow down and bear it, 
Dying, yet undoubting still. 

XXX. 

COUNvSEL. 

Next above the hosts celestial 

Towered one with brow serene, 

Beauteous as no pen or pencil. 

As could never tongue portray Him, 

As no mortal eye hath seen 

By His strength the Soul bewildered, 

Seeking how God's will to do. 

Learns to do it as He wills it. 

As within the highest heaven 

Holy angels know to do. 

Learns to walk by heavenly counsel, 

Learns to labor and be still. 

Guided by the seven-fold Spirit, 

By the Word of Life and Wisdom, 

In the working of God's will. 

Turned by Truth and heavenly guidance 



108 THE DREAM. 

Ever to the ways of Love, 
Doing good and bearing evil, 
As the holy high-born Spirits 
Work the will of God above. 

XXXI. 

UNDERSTANDING. 

Then resplendent, fair and glorious 
As from many stars the light, 
Mingled in a beam effulgent. 
Rose aloft another Spirit, 
Shining in celestial might. 
B}^ His power deep, unerring 
All the will of God is seen, 
How to bear it, how to love it, 
How in tenderness to work it 
'Mong the d3'ing sons of men. 
By His might the soul exalted 
Treads the perfect way of God, 
Sees the snares and cunning ambush, 
And with swords and shining armor 
Presses on the thorn3^ road. 
Caring nothing for the wounding, 
Nor the crimson blood that flows. 
Nothing for the toil and roughness, 
Nothing for the fair allurements 
Of the. subtile, watchful foes ; 
Knowing that the pain and bleeding 
Which befall us on the way. 
Work us out a joy exceeding 
Every hope and every pleading, 
In the light of perfect day. 



THE DREAM. 109 

XXXII. 

WISDOM. 

Ivike a seven-fold Sun in brightness, 

Shining with a flaming sword, 

Fairest of the host and perfect. 

Rose the last and most exalted 

Of the powers of the Word. 

By His strength the heavens were builded 

And the earth was framed below. 

By Him too the Word eternal 

Builds His everlesting Kingdom, 

Worketh Satan's overthrow. 

Happy is the soul perfected 

Where this Spirit dwells within. 

Full of life aloft he soareth, 

'lyong the narrow wa}^ he flietli 

From the darkened world of sin. 

Unto him the pain and anguish 

Are the blessings of the way. 

With an eye alike an eagle's. 

Far be^'ond the goal he pierceth 

To the glories of the sky. 

Yea! He sees the coming Savior 

In the clouds that so affright ; 

When the raging storm is fiercest, 

Sees he most the radient powers 

Winging from the realms of light. 

XXXIII. 

Moving on these radiant Spirits 
Bearing each a priceless gem. 
Brought them to the holy Virgin 



110 THE DREAM. 

And in living beauty placed them 

In her royal diadem. 

Then, on wings of Light, attended 

By the radient hosts of God 

Rose the Virgin from the burning, 

And in living beauty rested 

On the bosom of her Lord. 

He the Lord of glor}' folded 

His beloved to his breast; 

For the Church in all the nations. 

Had by passing through the furnace, 

Come to Oneness with the Christ. 

From the shinning worlds unnumbered 

Peans rang through all the sk}^ 

Holy bands of white-robed angels 

Shouted through the starry heavens 

"Glor}^ be to God on high." 

XXXIV. 

Loud and long the hosts of heaven 

Through the worlds unnumbered cried 

Halleluiah ! Halleluiah ! 

Shout, O earth ! The Lord of glory, 

Taketh to Himself His Bride ! 

As the angels' shout reechoed 

Through the starry realms of day, 

From my sight the vision faded 

As the glory of the twilight 

Passes into night awa}^ 

XXXV. 

Then unto the holy angel 

With a trembling voice I cried, 

"Tell me, O, Thou bright winged spirit ! 



THE DREAM. HI 

Of the wondrous, heavenly vision, 
Of the Bridegroom and the Bride." 

XXXVI. 

With a voice Hke melting music, 

Thus the holy angel said : 

"She, made beauteous in the burning, 

Is the Daughter fair of Zion, 

Whom the Lamb of God shall wed. 

Those dark forms of night about her 

Are the powers dread of God, 

Who from ev'ry spot and blemish 

Shall with flame and burning cleanse her 

Ere she wed the living Lord. 

They, the radiant forms attendant, 

Are the Spirits from on high. 

Who, descending from the Father, 

Shall with Light adorn her person. 

And with graces glorify. 

Yea ! With many a tear of anguish 

Shall the Bride her jewels wear ; 

On her brow the gems most precious 

Must be set in midst of burning. 

By incessant watch and prayer. 

Ev'ry earthly spot and carnal 

By the Life, the real blood 

Must be washed until her person 

With the Light of God shall glisten 

As the person of her Lord. 

XXXVII. 

For the Life grows perfect only 

As the earthly ties decay. 

'Tis by passing through the burning 



112 THE DREAM. 

That the niati}^ forms of evil 
Loose their hold and fall away. 
Heavenl}^ graces, radiant, priceless 
Must the Life within adorn. 
Power w^hich alone can lift her 
Into Light and Life and Glory 
Is in deep affliction born. 
Thus, b}' touch of burning fingers, 
While without awaits the Son, 
Thus, by sorrow deep and fearful. 
Trials long and sad and tearful. 
Are the Church and Christ made one. 

XXXIX. 

They, the sleeping Virgins waiting, 

Stored with oil for all the night 

Are departed Spirits, ready 

For the Bridegroom, though He tarry 

Till the coming morning light. 

Who the knowledge of the Kingdom 

Deep in thoughtful minds have stored; 

Who the truth have comprehended, 

And in light, from Truth uprising, 

W^alk the narrow way to God. 

Whose deep knowledge fills the pathway 

Ever with increasing light. 

And adown descending ages 

Swells the flood, that from the nations 

Lifts the sombre gloom of night. 

XL. 
The}^ with empty lamps and waning, 
All unfurnished for delay 
Are the souls whose faith decayeth, 



THE DREAM. H; 

When the Bridegroom long delayeth 
And from duty fall away; 
Who the knowledge of the Kingdom, 
Deep and perfect, have not stored 
And have never comprehended 
All the fullness of the meaning 
Of the coming of the Lord. 

XLI. 

He, the Bridegroom long hath tarried, 
Waiting His belov'd beside ; 
But anon, when they are married, 
lyo! He comes with hosts of angels, 
Bearing hence His radiant Bride. 
He, the Christ is only absent 
From the carnal sense of men, 
As within some distant region. 
But indeed, is ever by us. 
Walking with us, though unseen ; 
Absent, though forever present. 
Far awa}^ though ever near ; 
Absent from the vile and faithless. 
Present to the well beloved, 
Through the rolling Christian year. 
When He comes in clouds descending, 
They, with lamps and vessels full. 
With their shining lights resplendent 
Shall arise, and enter with Him, 
To the jo3's unspeakable. 

XLII. 

The}^ the poor, the foolish Virgins, 
Where the Truth lights not the path, 



114 THE DREAM. 

Cannot see the way that leadeth 
Unto rest and peace eternal, 
Through the Life, that springs from Faith, 
The}' must dwell in "outer darkness" 
Where the Faith sinks into night. 
The}^ who eat the ''Bread of Heaven,'" 
And shall live the Life forever, 
Walk by Faith and not by sight. 

XLIII. 

If men sleep without the knowledge 
Out of which the P'aith must spring, 
When they wake, they wake in darkness; 
And remembrance of their folly 
Evermore remorse shall bring. 
Heavenly Knowledge, stored by others, 
Cannot give our lamps their light. 
If men fail in time of buying 
When their unfed lights are dying. 
To them comes the gloom of night. 
It is not a time for buying 
When the open doors are shut, 
W^hen too late men seek for knowledge, 
Though they stand without and knocking, 
Cr}' aloud, they enter not. 

XLIV. 

Now the holy angel flying 
Brought me at the close of day 
Midway of the hoh' city, 
Where of old the temple glittered 
O'er the mountains far awaj'. 
There, beside the hill of David, 



THE DREAM. 115 

Where the jeweled throne had stood, 

Over 'gainst the ruined temple, 

Spoke he of the endless Kingdom 

And the hidden things of God. 

' 'Long, ' ' he said, ' 'has been the struggle, 

Fearful the relentless strife, 

But the time hath come, that Jesus 

Shall lead forth in glorious triumph 

All the radiant hosts of Life." 

XLV. 

Wars and fightings, strife and discord 
Noise and clamor, all shall cease. 
Evil shall depart forever ; 
And among God's ransomed children 
Shall forevermore be peace. 
Antechrist,-the moster dreadful, 
Sitting now the Church within 
Shall be driven from the Kingdom 
Through the ways of endless darkness 
With the cruel tribes of sin. 
And the Churches now dissevered 
Shall forevermore be one. 
Men shall all be knit together. 
Tender, loving, high exalted, 
In the Father by the Son. 

XLVI. 

Here in wonder and emotion. 
With my hands enclasped I stood, 
Gazing into heaven's vastness. 
Through the welling tears arising, 
Worshiping and praising God. 



116 THE DREAM. 

As I stood, soft strains of music 

Rose in sweetness from the plain, 

Whence advancing in her beauty, 

With a shining host about her 

Came the loveh' Mitylene ; 

Came into my arms, extended, 

And the holy angel said : 

' 'So the Church made clean by chast'ning, 

Clothed in Light and queenly beauty, 

Shall the Royal Bridegroom wed." 

XLVII. 

Real in its life, unto me 
Did the heavenly vision seem ; 
But the deepness of emotion 
Roused me from my heavy slumber, 
And I found it but a dream. 
Though, not all a dream, the Father 
B}' the vision would portray 
Good things coming in the future, 
Hidden from the light and thoughtless, 
Which the well beloved see. 

XLVIII. 

When the maiden ceased her reading, 
Sitting upright on his bed. 
All aglow with deep emotion 
Calling up the past, the Aztec, 
Thus in tender accents said : 
"Yea ! This is the dream he told me 
As within my willing breast 
Planted he the seed eternal, 
Out of which in heavenly beauty 



THE DREAM. 117 

Springeth forth the lyife of Christ. 
This is then th}^ loved and lost one, 
And the Father's hand will guide, 
Where in deep and tender yearning 
In the midst of flame and burning 
He will find his chastened bride. ' ' 

XLIX. 

Rising as it were from dreaming 
Spoke the lovely Mit3dene, 
"This is Manaen, I will seek him 
Where his weary footsteps pressing 
In the valleys fair have been. 
Lo ! This is the Father's guiding 
And my hopes are not in vain ; 
Is not this the voice of heaven 
Comforting, as ever telling, 
That ni}^ Manaen comes again ?" 
So with loving heart and thoughtful 
Through the noontide of the day, 
Through the pathway o'er the mountain, 
To the cottage of her parents 
Went she gladly on her way. 



Weeks had passed ; The gentle Aztec 
Well restored, away had gone. 
While his humble, peaceful cottage 
In the cozy little garden 
Stood deserted and alone. 
Far, the maiden, yearning, hopeful. 
Sought for tidings day b}" da}' . 
Where were traces of the wand'rer, 



118 THE DREAM. 

There, with loving heart, she followed 

Eagerly along the way. 

Winged hopes, like doves from Noe, 

Went with strength to breast the main, 

But without the branch of olive 

Ever came with pinion drooping, 

Back unto her heart again 

Yea! She knew not that the Aztec 

Grateful for her kindl}- care 

Even now alone was wand' ring, 

Seeking for the gentle Manaen 

Through each lovely vale afar ; 

All intent to find and bring him 

Ere the coming Advent-tide, 

That the wand'rer unexpecting. 

As the Bridegroom should be wedded 

To the chastened Advent Bride. 



(^ 



t 



Marantha. 



Canto VI. 



The Bridegroom Cometh. 

In such an hour as ye think not. the son of man 
cotneth. — St. Matt, xxiv, il. 



Over now the hills of Judah 
Crowned with jewels swept the night, 
While the darkened w^orld, unconscious, 
Knew not that the Bridegroom cometh 
Only on the wings of Light. 
Down the pathwa}' of the ages, 
All along, the virgins sleep, 
Weary and oppressed by waiting, 
While full many watching, longing, 
Still their anxious vigils keep ; 
Yet the loving Bridegroom lingers 
Patientl}^ the church beside, 
While the angels' burning fingers 
Place the fair and costly jewels 
On the person of the Bride. 
Oh! How long, how long she bideth 



120 THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH. 

Ere her Oneness with her Lord ! 
Ere enrobed in perfect beauty 
Leads she with the ro3^al Bridegroom 
All the radiant hosts of God. 

IL 

In the little Aztec village 

Loud and full the sweet bell swung, 

While the loving people listened 

To the mellow tones of gladness 

As unto an angel tongue. 

Now the deepened shadows rested 

Far and wide o'er vale and wood ; 

And the starr}^ hosts of heaven 

Moved on glittering wings, in silence 

Round the distant throne of God. 

III. 

Gathered on the road ascending 
O'er the rugged mountain side 
Chosen virgins of the village 
Waited for the Bridegroom's coming 
With the beauteous Advent Bride. 
Long the}^ waited and the midnight 
Led her shining train away 
As a band of radiant Spirits 
Through the silent halls of heaven 
Leading on the coming da3\ 
Wearied by their anxious watching 
Long the lovely virgins slept, 
While alone the sleepless powers 
Passing through the quiet heavens, 
Silently their vigils kept. 



THE BRIDKGROOM COMETH. 121 

IV. 

In her chamber, sad but lovely, 
Mit3'leiie, longing stood. 
As the chastened Church o'ershadowed 
By the dark wings of the angels, 
Making ready for her Lord. 
Round about her gentle maidens 
Beauteous as the morn and fair ; 
Skillful with their ready fingers 
Twined a thorny crown, and placed it 
O'er her coils of braided hair. 
As the crown the soldiers platted 
Rested on the Savior's brow, 
Symbol of the crown of glory 
That the faithful wear forever, 
Made of thorns that pierce us now, 
Teaching that the Church triumphant 
Wears for aye a jeweled crown. 
Shining downward through the ages, 
Beauteous as the stars and glorious, 
But forever made of thorn. 

V. 

Ere the rosy tinted evening 

Floated o'er the billowy west, 

Loved ones in the home of Alian 

Thought and spoke of Jesus' Kingdom, 

Of the glories of the blest. 

Of the advent of Messiah, 

Of the loved, long pas'sed away. 

Of the hope of their returning, 

Of the tender inward yearning 

For the coming of that day. 



122 THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH. 

Binea Hobah, gathered with them, 
Thinking of the darkness dread, 
Of the Church and of the ending 
Of the good things long impending ; 
Stood within their midst and said ; 
"Listen to me, O beloved ! 
For from out the shades of night 
See I fearful forms arising 
And the hosts of evil striving 
With the powers of the Light." 

VI. 

As of old the storm clouds gathered 

O'er the lake of Galilee ; 

Even now the storm in raging, 

And the Lord of Life and Glor5% 

Walketh on the troubled sea. 

From the dark ab3-ss unnumbered. 

Unseen Spirits watchful, dread. 

Wander through the sinful nations 

Seeking thoughtless souls to gather 

With the d^dng and the dead. 

They whose power is in darkness 

And alone in darkness dwell. 

Kindle piercing flames to burn us, 

That their evil force ma}' turn us 

To the way of death and hell. 

In and through and round about us 

By the citadel of Life, 

Hidden from the sight as serpents 

Creep thej- through the welcome darkness 

As in ambush for the strife; 

Ever watchful and relentless 



THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH. 123 

Sent of God to sift and try, 
That the true b}^ trial sifted 
Through the trial may be lifted 
To the garners of the sky. 
None evade the subtile forces; 
Sparing not they prowl abroad 
Sowing all the world with evil 
For the trial of the faithful 
In the dreadful day of God. 

VII. 

Oh ! How earnestly they sow it 
In the careless hearts of men; 
Broadcast o'er the world they throw it 
And the winds receive and sow it 
Where it roots and seeds again. 
For the soul by daih^ conflict 
Must the crown of glory wear, 
And the highest place of honor 
Must be won by highest power 
Good to do and ill to bear. 

VIII. 

Through the shadows of the garden 
Where abides the living Soul, 
Where the tree of Life is planted, 
There these cruel unseen Spirits 
Tread with impious feet and foul; 
There they offer joys forbidden. 
Luscious, pleasing to the e3^e. 
Tempt the soul with evil knowledge 
Forth to reach the hand and plucking. 
Eat forbidden fruit and die. 



124 THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH. 

Seven with a flame enkindled 

In the lurid depths of hell, 

Da}^ and night prowl round about her, 

Where she walks alone, unguarded, 

There these subtile Spirits dwell. 

By their touch they kindle burnings, 

Picture forth the joys of sin, 

Make of lusts a flame consuming 

And the weak, like willing cattle 

Lead they to and fro therein. 

Thoughtless of the dreadful presence 

Glides she on with careless feet. 

Hither, thither, as she listeth 

Through the flowery paths of Eden 

Doing what she thinketh meet ; 

Lays she thoughtless hands on dragons, 

Looks into the face of Death, 

Hand in hand with evil angels 

Careless stoops she down to listen 

What the wih' tempter saith ; 

All forgetful that these po^vers 

Stand about her way to try 

Whether she hath strength to triumph 

Or allured b}' joys forbidden 

Weakly will partake and die ; 

That abroad a lake of fire 

Kindled l)y the touch of sin 

Burneth as refiner's fire 

And that through the flame unsparing 

Walks the soul, or dwells therein. 

IX. 
From the lurid pit, these Spirits 
Through the world in varied form, 



THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH. 125 

Through the hearts of sinful mortals 
Sweep afar in clouds and darkness 
In the tumult of a storm 
Trying men by strong allurements, 
Some by fortune, some by woe, 
Some they try by death or danger 
Reared in horrid form before them 
In the way their feet should go. 
Sordid souls debased, unworthy-, 
But the sign of grief behold 
And they scatter as the hirelings. 
When at midnight, urged by hunger, 
Leaps the wolf into the fold ; 
And the dread recording angel 
Mindful of the cross and pain 
Which Messiah bore to teach them. 
For the souls that perish by them 
Marks them with the mark of Cain. 
Some they tempt to self indulgence, 
Some to make themselves a name, 
Some to use their highest powers 
For dominion and its treasures, 
Thicker than the breath of fame. 
Thus, the Foe the Christ assaulted, 
When by earnest fast and prayer. 
Armed and read}^ for the conflict. 
Vanquished He the ' ' Prince of this World' ' 
And the power of the air. 
Some they try b}^ taking from them • 
All they know of health and ease. 
That by higher, strong endeavor. 
They may do the deeds of angels 
Through a lifetime of di.sease. 
Show their trust that God the Father 



126 THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH. 

Willeth not a thing amiss ; 
But that highest blessing cometh, 
In the world of endless glory 
From the evil things in this. 

XI. 

Some they try by lust for treasure 

Labored for with greed and pain 

For excess in future leisure 

Or perhaps but for the pleasure 

Of the heaping up of gain. 

Some they try by fair occasion 

For some tender noble deed ; 

Some b}' labor and denial 

For the Church, Christ's mystic body, 

In the crying time of need. 

By the power to discern her 

From the noisy clan and sect, 

'Mid the cries of many claimants. 

Lovingly to hear and answer 

To the call of God's elect. 

XII. 

Some they lead in ruts, where custom 
Bids their willing feet to go, 
Where the foe by evil customs 
Followed by the weak and faithless 
Seeks the Kingdom's overthrow. 
On in hidden guile these spirits 
Through the world with flaming breath, 
Through the classic halls of learning 
In the fond retreats of knowledge 
Sow the fruitful seeds 6f death; 



THE BRIDKOROOM COMETH. 127 

Minds imbued with worldly wisdom 

Bow serenely to their sway; 

While from all that's truly noble 

From the toil of high endeavor 

Turn they evermore away. 

They whose hearts despise God's Kingdom, 

Knowing not its Life and Light, 

See the gloomy hosts of evil 

Creeping through the heedless churches 

From the borders of the night; 

Hear the ravings of fanatics. 

See the discord of the crowd. 

And they mildly take these ravings 

For the truths sublime, unfolded 

In the teachings of the Lord. 

Men far famed for love and science. 

Sweep the sky with searching gaze; 

Where eternal Love resistless 

Moves the forces of creation, 

See they naught but mist and haze. 

Powers moving suns and systems, 

Guiding the affairs of men. 

Shut they from the range of science 

As unw^orthy classic knowledge, 

Or scholastic accumen. 

Jesus' teaching brought from heaven 

Scorn they with the scorn of scorn. 

Yea ! They spurn the heavenly knowledge 

Of the Life and of the Kingdom, 

That from Life the Life is born; 

For the powers dwelling in them. 

To their heavy gaze unknown 

Move them 'gainst the coming Kingdom, 

And the subtile Prince of this World 



128 THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH. 

Binds them to his sable throne. 

Leaden eyed, ungodlj^, graceless, 

They whose hearts love naught but sin, 

Moved by devils, tread the Churches. 

As of old the driven cattle 

Trod the yellow yield of grain. 

With their breath as winds of autumn 

Sweeping o'er the threshing floor, 

Scatter the}^ the weak and thoughtless 

As the chaff, and from the Kingdom 

Drive them on forevermore. 

When the poor soul fondly looketh 

Through the azure sky for light. 

So, they spread their mists around her, 

With great swelling words confound her 

Quench her burning hopes in night. 

Then the foulest Spirits drag her 

Till the wa}' of life she miss ; 

Thousands hoping, then despairing, 

From their swelling words and daring 

Fall into the dark abyss. 

Led b}' Spirits which possess them 

As the swine on Galilee 

Bound by hidden chains and helpless 

Madl}^ rush they down to perish 

In the troubled, molten sea. 

XIV. 

Sorrow, anguish, grief heartrending 
Spring with death from winged seed 
Which those sleepless Spirits scatter, 
While the true and faithful only 
By the Life of God are freed. 
Thus each inward cord is tested, 



THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH. 129 

Every hidden force laid bare, 
And a record made in heaven 
Of our power in the trial 
Good to do and ill to bear. 
Wh}^ should any fallen creature 
Miss the narrow heavenly road 
When the Church was sent to show it 
And along its length, to mark it, 
Are the footprints of the Lord ? 

XV. 

Know ye not, O Church of Jesus, 
That the dreadful fault is thine ? 
That to thee the key was given 
Which unlocks the door of heaven, 
Floods the world with Light Divine ? 
That with saddened eyes uplifted 
Through the darkness of the night. 
Thousand thousands looking, longing, 
With uncertain footsteps, stumbling. 
Cry with burning tears for Light f 
Multitudes come to the churches 
Yearning for the living Bread, 
While the learned, smooth-tongued doctor 
W^ith a splendid rounded diction 
Serpents give and stones instead. 
Some perceiving that their people 
Value most what least they need. 
Please the eye with forms aesthetic, 
Fill the ear with costly music. 
Give them pleasing sounds as feed. 
Seek to build and throng their churches 
With a silly, gaping crowd, 



130 THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH. 

Who will rent the pews and fill them 
With an e3'e to caste or business, 
Not with Love to man or God. 

XVI. 

Of the tidings of the Kingdom 

Some who list, can never hear ; 

In the stead they learn of wafers, 

Waxen candles, burning tapers, 

Altar cloths and priestly gear. 

Yea! They learn how from these wafers 

Priests can make the living God. 

From the baked dough, make His body, 

From the juice pressed from the vintage 

Make His very, real blood; 

Yea! they prostrate fall, adoring. 

Bend the knee and cross the breast. 

In their hearts deceived, persuaded 

That the baked dough of the wafer 

Is the real, living Christ; 

Then they eat their Christ as doughnuts 

With the champing teeth of swine, 

Not into their lives, but stomachs 

Taking. Yea! Though not perceiving 

Aught of Him the Life Divnie. 

XVII. 

Daring men untaught and faithless 
Rend the church and heed her not, 
Rend the seamless robe of Jesus, 
Though the cruel Roman soldier 
Would not rend, but cast a lot. 
Learned in the cant and nonsense 



THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH. 131 

Of blind leaders of the blind, 
Loud and bold, the}^ move the people 
Carried b}^ each sounding doctrine 
As the chaff before the wind. 
Wordy, puffy with vain knowledge, 
Vague, inaccurate and dr^^ 
Knowing nothing of the Kingdom 
Feed they chaff, to God's poor children 
When for living bread they cry. 

XVIII. 

Loud and urgent,, unsent preachers 
Stir the sinful world to strife, 
W^ith a zeal, to shame the slothful 
Seek they simple souls to turn them 
From the way of Light and Life. 
Yea! With poisened tongues and darhig 
Strive they with the Lord's Elect, 
From the souls that walk in darkness 
Gather they the tares and bind them 
Into varied clan and sect. 

XIX. 

Devils when they preach the Gospel 

In the garb that angels wear. 

May be known, as in a garden 

Trees are knowm in time of fruiting 

B}^ the kind of fruit they bear. 

How^ can grapes come forth from brambles 

Deadly trees bear healing fruit, 

P'igs be gathered from the thistles, 

And from tares sown in the furrows 

How shall living wheat take root ? 



132 THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH. 

Where the Word is sown and groweth 

Hate and strife and discord cease, 

For the Life that then upspringeth 

Beareth fruit that onl}' bringeth 

Holy Love and endless peace. 

Seeds of evil sown b}^ devils 

Need no tender, watchful care ; 

Rank as noxious weeds and thrifty 

Grow they, though not watched, nor tended 

And their bitter fruitage bear. 

XX. 

In the fair schools of the Kingdom 

Sit the minions of the foe ; 

Where should shine the Light effulgent 

As a burning stream of glory, 

Black as night they come and go. 

Armed from head to foot in darkness, 

Where unguarded sleeps the soul, 

Creep they over arms neglected. 

Over strong unmanned defences 

With their impious feet and foul. 

Jewels from the depths of heaven, 

Sparkling with the Light of God, 

Such as deck the brows of angels, 

Soiled by filthy touch, and buried, 

By their loathsome feet are trod. 

Yea! Themselves build schools unsparing 

Where their subtile webs they weave ; 

From these schools arrayed in darkness, 

\'apid, fulsome go the teachers 

God's poor children to deceive. 

Yea! These Spirits dread go with them. 



THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH. 133 

IvCad them fondling on their chain, 

Urge them on in guile malignant, 

Glad to see them weak and faithless 

Crucify their Lord again. 

vSo the}' mount the oaken pulpits 

Crimson as the Savior's blood 

And the doctrines teach of devils, 

Fill the holy Church with darkness 

In the name of Christ and God. 

Yea ! They strive to turn the faithful 

From the way of truth and bliss, 

And the woes that came hereafter 

In the world of endless sorrow 

Kindle by their breath in this. 

They who claim to shout glad tidings 

Of the Kingdom far and near, 

Shout instead their clanging doctrines, 

And with vague and cruel nonsense 

Fill the seasons of the year. 

Yea ! The time that Jesus spoke of ; 

•'When I come shall faith be found !" 

With a warning sign portentous 

Gathers as a storm tremendous 

All the sinful world around. 

And the Kingdom, O ! how dreary 

Where the Word sheds not His Light! 

Darker than the curse of Egypt 

Gather over all the nations, 

Dreadful shadows of the night. 

XXI. 

Lo ! W^e hear how brawling preachers 
All unapt the truth to see, 
Plunge poor creatures under water 



134 THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH. 

And forever and forever 
Wash their- dreadful sins away ; 
As if water could wash spirit, 
Matter, reach and cleanse the soul, 
Unperceiving that a Spirit 
B}^ the stream of Life eternal 
Must be cleansed from what is foul. 
Seeing not beyond the symbol 
Know they not that Life is Love, 
That the Life touched by the Spirit 
Purifies the heart and makes us 
One with Christ in God above. 

XXII. 

Others teach that Jesus' sufferings 

Soothed the dreadful wrath of God, 

That their filthy souls are reckoned 

Pure and stainless by his mercy, 

Through the shedding of Christ's blood 

That the perfect God of Wisdom, 

Just and good is satisfied. 

All appeased and well contented 

When the vile escape His justice 

And the innocent has died; 

For they know not that atonement 

Is our oneness with the Lord ; 

That the Life is Love eternal 

Overcoming Death within us 

As we daily grow like God ; 

That the Church is now His body 

As Melehisedek the priest, 

Ever making the At-one-ment, 

Through the Life of Love uniting 



THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH. 135 

Men redeemed, in God, with Christ. 

Not alone by Jesus' dying 

Is the lost world saved from sin ; 

But, the Life abiding in Him 

Cometh to us through His dying, 

Quickens and we live again. 

By the Life we walk the pathway 

Which his wounded feet have trod. 

In the face of death and danger 

Passing on to perfect oneness 

With the living Christ in God. 

XXIII. 

Others teach fore ordination 

Of the few saved by the blood, 

Of the mass predestinated 

To a hopeless condemnation 

By the righteous will of God. 

Others say that all are saved. 

Good and bad, it matters not, 

Vice and virtue are indifferent. 

For the mercy of the Father 

Has for all, a common lot. 

Yea ! They know not that salvation 

Is progressive steps from sin, 

And the blessed Life that ends not 

Is the Love of God eternal, 

Groiving neiv born son Is within; 

That this Love, this Life within them 

Is the Life of God above; 

And that every high born Spirit 

Glittering in the starry heavens 

Is some princely form of Love, 



136 THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH. 

That this Life comes forth from knowledge 

Of Messiah and His reign, 

And springs up in heavenly beauty 

From the seed by faithful teaching 

Planted in the Souls of men. 

Where the living Word by teaching 

Is not planted as the seed 

There can be no Life eternal, 

For, from out this heavenly knowledge 

Must the Life through Faith proceed. 

Christ is in the holy service, 

Though but idly sung, or said ; 

But the dead soul cainiot see Him 

Till the qiuck'7iiug- Spirit touching 

Raise the living from the dead. 

XXIV. 

Wise and grim the ' ' Prince of this World' ' 
Sifts the children of the Light, 
Through the Church, unseen and noiselCvSS, 
Restless, fearless, ever watchful, 
Strive the forces of the night ; 
From their touch springs death eternal, 
Thinner than the wasted breath, 
Loathsome, hateful, onward pressing, 
Armed and ready, strong for action, 
Strive the sleepless hosts of death. 
Stirring strife where Love eternal 
Should uplift the hearts of men, 
In the very name of Jesus, 
Leading surly sects in clamor 
Down the hidden ways of sin. 
Driving men to strife and combat 



THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH. 137 

'Neath the cruel flag unfurled 
Where the ensigns of all nations 
Floating o'er the fields of carnage 
Mark the judgment of the world. 
Dark as winged clouds of locusts 
On in dreadful force they move, 
Sent of God to try His children, 
vSift and test in every fibre 
All the offspring of His love. 

XXV. 

Now beloved, is the judgment 
Of this world, as Jesus said, 
Day by day all souls are sifted ; 
Day by day the saved are lifted 
From the dying and the dead; 
While the lusty and the heedless 
Wander through the world abroad 
All unconscious that these powers 
Are arrayed to sift and try them 
'Neath the searching eye of God. 

XXVI. 

They who pass the fiery trial 

With- the strength to do and bear 

Are the saved, who, cleansed by burning 

Rise aloft through tribulation 

Crowns of endless life to wear. 

And the lost who love the darkness 

Nor will come unto the light. 

Pass the pearly gates of heaven 

Onward in their folly pressing 

To the endless gloom of night. 



138 THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH. 

XXVII. 

Heated as a glowing oven 

Is the great day of the Lord ; 

As the children in the furnace 

Only they unhurt pass through it 

Who in meekness walk with God. 

Christ goes through and through the burning 

Where the well beloved are tried ; 

Where were three, behold the fourth one 

Bearing all the burning with them, 

Walks in love unharmed beside. 

Oh! That men could see the Savior 

And could mark these Spirits dread 

Gathering in clouds about them, 

Through the hidden wiles of evil 

To enroll them with the dead. 

XXVIII. 

By these powers, Lo! the faithless 

All too ready stoop and fall, 

And in everlasting darkness 

Those who love and lean upon them, 

In their ruin dread enthrall. 

In the Church they lead the princes 

B}^ the subtile hidden snare. 

And their watchful eyes and sleepless 

Every hidden weakness scanning 

Neither great nor small will spare. 

By them Bishops turn from duty, 

Travel up and down the lands 

As they thought the Lord's commission 

Was not seed to sow by teaching ; 

But by laying on of hands. 



THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH. 139 

Priests and deacons as tlie}^ knew not 
Of the Life of Love, go down ; 
Great men fall as leaves in Autumn ; 
Many a life goes out in darkness, 
As the setting of a sun. 
The}^ whose arms have taken cities, 
Vanquished man}^ a foe in fight 
Fall before these subtile Spirits 
As into eternal darkness 
Falling stars go out at night. 
From the early blush of morning, 
Through the gloomy shadow^s dread 
Men forevermore are passing 
To eternal Light and glory, 
Or to darkness and the dead. 

XXIX. 

Winged with flame, unsparing, piercing 
Sorrows from our failings spring 
Which consume us by their burning 
And remembrance oft returning 
Will a daily sorrow bring. 
Though we turn away from evil, 
Learn to love and do no ill; 
Even when we are forgiven 
And the record made in heaven 
Will remorse pursue us still. 
'Tis the mercy of the Father, 
That we learn to sin no more. 
And with wary footsteps walking 
Ever shun the hidden danger 
Till our trial shall be o'er. 
Though we dwell in cot or palace 



140 THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH. 

Evermore the flames prevail. 
From all hearts though hard or tender, 
Down through all the troubled ages 
Comes the piercing of a wail. 
Parents wailing for their children; 
Children for their parents lost 
Wailing for themselves and others 
Fallen sisters, fallen brothers 
In the burning tempest tossed; 
Groans and cries of dying millions 
Ever fall on aching ears. 
Till this world of wondrous beauty 
Darkened b}^ the night of evil 
Grows into a vale of tears. 
Oh! How long the poor soul prayeth 
To be spared this trial dread 
While the loving Father changeth 
Into gems the drops of bleeding 
Which the loving heart hath shed. 
Jesus prayed the cup might pass Him; 
Oh! The teaching of that prayer! 
He the loving P'ather answered, 
Not by passing, but by giving 
Strength to do His will and bear. 

XXX. 

This beloved is that tempest 

Gathered in its wild array 

vSweeping through the midnight darkness 

While the Lord upon the mountain 

Seems afar, afar away. 

He hath taught us though His coming 

Fill our troubled souls with fright. 



THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH. 141 

He shall walk upon the billows 
Through the darkness and the tempest 
In the fourth watch of the night. 
Even now the storm is sweeping 
O'er the troubled world abroad; 
Lift 3'our eyes and look beloved. 
Lo! We see the sign in heaven 
Of the coming of the Lord, 
And the time is now upon us, 
When the mystery unsealed, 
He, the Lord of Life and Glory 
Shall upon this throne within us 
Be to every eye revealed. 




t 



Maranatha. 



Canto YII, 



The Advent Bride. 

As the lightning lighteneth out of the one part under 
heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so 
also shall the Son of Man be in His day. Wheresoever 
the body is thither will the eagle's be ga'thered together. 
—St. Luke, xvii, 24-37. 

I. 

Leading on the Churches' seasons, 
Sweeping far on restless wing, 
Advent as a herald angel 
Cried aloud through all the nations 
Of the coming of the King. 
Holy Church alert and waiting 
Called her children far and near. 
They wdio loved the Lord's appearing 
And with anxious hearts were watching 
Rose, her loving call to hear. 

II. 

Now the solemn shades of evening 
Crept afar o'er vale and wood, 



144 THE ADVENT BRIDE. 

While the faithful of the village, 
Thinking of the Bridegroom's coming, 
Gathered in the Church of God. 
Over every shaded pathway 
Of the rugged mountain side 
Came the people in their gladness, 
Swift to learn of Jesus' coming 
And His oneness with the Bride. 

III. 

Where the growing shadows mingled 

With the light from Alian's door; 

Where the well beloved were gathered 

Came a lowh', rustic stranger. 

Clad in garments rough and poor; 

Tender, meek and full of wisdom. 

Light was in His loving eye, 

Beaming from His noble features 

As a heavenly radiance fallen 

From the windows of the sky. 

From His hands the blood was oosing, 

From His feet and wounded side; 

O'er His brow were crimson thorn-prints, 

And His seamless robe unriven 

By the trickling blood was dyed; 

Full the purple marks of scourging 

For the dying race of men, 

Rose in gaping furrows on Him, 

Whence the crimson currents flowing 

O'er His quivering shoulders ran. 

Marred His features were, and saddened, 

As His heart felt all our woe." 

Felt it in its utmost deepness, 



THE ADVENT BRIDE. 145 

Felt a bitter weight oppressive, 
Which no other heart may know. 
In the person of a w^oodman, 
Wounded and wdth bleeding breast, 
Came the Lord of Life and glor}^ . 
Hidden from the blunted senses 
Which can never know the Christ. 
Those who idly looked upon Him, 
Little thought of high degree; 
For His rustic garb uncomely 
Hid the cruel marks upon Him 
Of the Lord of Calvary. 

IV. 

Alian met Him at the threshold, 
Thinking of the days of yore, 
Of the woodman and His message; 
And His loved ones, unsuspecting. 
Wondered if He tidings bore. 
From her chamber, seeking tidings, 
Flushed and rosy as the morn, 
Mitylene came wdth longing, 
Fair as holy light and w^earing 
On her brow the crown of thorn. 
Hope on radiant wdngs w^as resting 
O'er her beauteous features then; 
Through her eyes her heart had spoken 
Ere her anxious lips had uttered 
Yearnings for her Manaen. 
Quick the woodman saw and answered; 
''He the lost shall be restored, 
Aiid thine eyes shall rest upon Hun 
Whe7i illumined by the Spirit 
Thou shall see the Christ, the Lord.'' 



146 THE ADVENT BRIDE. 

V. 

Then He spoke of Jesus' coming, 
Of His triumph and His reign. 
Of the Advent and its teaching, 
Of the everlasting Kingdom 
Rising in the hearts of men; 
Of the daughter fair of Zion 
Through the cycle of the 3'ears, 
In the time of her adorning 
Pouring out her soul in anguish 
And in bitter, burning tears. 

VI. 

While the eager household listened 
Words as tender living things, 
As a host of winged Spirits 
Came unto their loving bosoms 
Beating with their radiant wings, 
Till the Life was roused within them 
And alert in every breast 
Rose the deathless soul to hearken, 
As of old the well-beloved 
Hung upon the words of Christ. 

VII. 

Full of grace the stranger taught them 
Of the mights and thrones unseen. 
Of the Christ, with princely powers, 
Building up the endless Kingdom 
In the new-born hearts of men; 
Taught them that the Christ is Spirit, 
Living, perfect, endless Love. 



THE ADVENT BRIDE. 147 

Is the essence of the Father; 

Is the Life that reigns within us, 

And in all the worlds above, 

Is the perfect, full expression 

Of the mind and will of God. 

Sounding down through all the ages, 

Dwelling in each heart receiving, 

As the everliving Word. 

Speaking to the inward being 

Of the deep things of the sky, 

Quickening every latent impulse 

Of the Life to perfect oneness 

With the Living God on high, 

Till the Life, enrobed in Graces, 

Peerless, stronger than all might. 

Lifts the world from death eternal 

To the endless Life of heaven 

By the simple force of Light; 

That the endless Kingdom cometh 

By no mortal vision seen. 

As a city fair descending, 

And in Light and living beauty 

Rising in the hearts of men ; 

That the Kingdom growing in us 

Bringeth all men into one; 

That Atonement, long expected. 

Is the Church Redeemed in oneness 

In the Father with the Son; 

That the Lord is as the Bridegroom ; 

That the Church is as the Bride; 

That the Daughter fair of Zion 

For her Lord, is cleansed by burning 

As the gold is purified; 

That her fair and radiant vesture. 



148 THE ADVENT BRIDE. 

Warp and woof, is wrought of God, 
And the highest lordl}' powers 
Lay the banquet through the heavens 
For her wedding with her Lord. 

VIII. 

Horned hoofs, encased in iron. 
Must the rounded wheat lay bare, 
Or the flail must beat and beat it 
Ere the wind the chaff removeth 
From the perfect grain and fair. 
Not remission from the anguish 
Is the highest gift of God; 
Strength to do His will and bear it. 
Take the crown of thorns and wear it, 
Is the Oneness with the Lord. 
Daily round of fierce temptation 
Is the dreadful judgment da^^ 
The}^ who meet the foe and triumph 
Rise aloft o'er many trials 
Into Life and Peace alway. 
Blood-drops flowing from the pressure 
On the cruel platted thorn 
Are the jewels, that forever 
Add the beauty and the lustre 
To the martyr's fadeless crown. 

IX. 

Know ye not, O! well-beloved! 
That the Lord of Life is here, 
And that coming through the ages 
Shine aloft His glittering footsteps 
All adown the Christian year? 



THE ADVENT BRIDE. 149 

He hath come as Light descending 

Through the teaching of the Word, 

And in ever}- loving bosom 

Shining as the flame of jewels 

Builds the living throne of God. 

In the holy Church, His bod3^ 

As Melchisedek, the Priest, 

Interceding, mediating, 

Giving Light and Life eternal 

Mi)iisters the Living CJirist. 

Here He rears aloft His Kingdom, 

Leads the heavenly hosts of Light, 

Rising o'er the sleeping nations 

As the rosy wings of morning 

Spreading o'er the realms of night; 

Here He teaches as that Prophet, 

And by teaching, Life bestows, 

Plants the seed that living, growing. 

Day by day in grace unfoldeth 

As the opening of a rose. 

By the Life He makes x\tonement 

As Melchisedek, the Priest, 

Bringing men redeemed to oneness. 

Through the Life, with God the Father, 

By their oneness with the Christ. 

Here He reigns a King forever; 

Here He judgeth day by day, 

Filling up with wheat His garners. 

By the flail, the fan, the sifting 

Driving all the chaff away. 

X. 

Can ye not perceive a spirit 
Fair as light and wide of wing, 



150 THE ADVENT BRIDE. 

Dwelling in God's faithful children, 
Guiding, guarding and uplifting 
In the power of a King; 
Kindling by His touch within them 
Life of Life and Light of Light, 
By the Life, within them kindled. 
Overcoming death eternal, 
And the powers of the night; 
Gath'ring in His fold the nations, 
Freeing them from death and sin. 
Cleansing by the fan and sifting, 
And as circling suns uplifting 
Fair and bright His throne within? 

XL 

Have 3'e marked the Ro^^al Virgin 
Through the shadows of the night. 
As the fairest born of heaven. 
Rising out of tribulation. 
Into everlasting Light? 
Have ye marked her through the ages, 
Her fair garments soiled and worn. 
How each priceless, beauteous fabric 
B}^ the lost world's loathsome contact 
Has been trampled on and torn? 
Have ye never comprehended 
That the rended Church we see 
Torn and trampled by the faithless. 
Set at naught, reviled and hated 
Is the Bride of Christ to be; 
That this is the Royal Virgin 
Who shall wed the Son of God, 
And forever and forever 



THE ADVENT BRIDE. 151 

Over all the ransomed nations 
Reign a queen beside her Lord ; 
One with Him in love unfathomed, 
In all truth and goodness one, 
Of the same all-loving Spirit, 
Of one body with the Bridegroom 
As the Father with the Son; 
Clothed in Light, in truth effulgent 
From the shining courts above, 
Crowned with bright celestial graces. 
Ever}' radiant feature glowing 
With the light of endless love. 
Beauteous as the smile of heaven 
Filling Eden with its light. 
B}' her peerless beaut}- driving 
From the sinful world forever 
All the shadows of the night? 
But the trial dread is passing 
As the storm on Gallilee, 
And the well belov'd of Zion 
Seems indeed about to perish 
In the tumult of the sea. 

XII. 

He hath come that Jesus spoke of, 

' 'Prince of this world," "Man of sin," 

And has raised his foul dominion 

In the frail hearts of God's children 

There as Antechrist to reign. 

Not a man with crook and mitre, 

Not a King with fire and sword. 

But the daring "Prince of this World," 

Rulins: in our sinful members 



152 THE ADVENT BRIDE. 

In the name and room of God. 
Him hath God himself permitted 
In the Church to rear his seat, 
That the princes of his people 
Who shall wear the crown of glory 
May be sifted as the wheat, 
That the noblest of His Kingdom, 
Loyal to the truth and right, 
May above the cringing rabble 
With the faithful of all ages. 
Shine forever in His sight. 
From of old, from everlasting. 
Has the Father's purpose been, 
In the trial of His children 
To array the heavenly powers 
And to try the "Man of Sin." 

XIII. 

Now is set the throne of judgment; 
Satan's utmost strength is tried 
'Gainst the forces of the Kingdom, 
While the Church is cleansed by burning, 
And as gold is purified. 

XIV. 

'Neath the throne in guile malignant 
Moves the Foe in hidded might. 
By his subtile guile and burning 
All the force of evil turning 
'Gainst the powers of the Light. 
Creeeping through the Kingdom's by waj^s 
Blighting with his poisonous breath, 



THE ADVENT BRIDE. 153 

Or with pleasing words enticing 
Leading simple souls unthinking 
Down the easy way of death. 
To the plastic hearts uncultured 
Forth he sends his hosts abroad, 
And beneath the wungs of darkness 
Leads them on, untried, unknowing 
From the narrow way of God. 
Even w^here the seed is planted 
To bring forth its heavenly fruit, 
There, in hidden guile he goeth 
That the evil seed he soweth 
In the field of God may root. 
In the very name of Jesus 
Gathers he the wrangling sect, 
Makes the poor soul in her darkness, 
Thoughtless lift her hand unloving 
Even 'gainst the Lord's elect; 
Binds in bundles all the wayw^ard. 
That the lo3^al ma}' be knowai. 
That into the heavenly garners 
May the ripened wheat be gathered 
From the seed the Lord hath sown. 
Evil men he freely scatters 
As the tares, by secret foe. 
Where the faithful of the Kingdom 
By the Lord of Life are planted, 
Side by side the evil grow. 
Now is harvest and the angels 
Bind in bundles sect by sect, 
While into the heavenly garners 
Angel fingers daily gather 
From the tares the Lord's elect. 



154 THE ADVENT BRIDE. 

XV. 

Winging downward through the ages 
Deathless Spirits from on high 
Have been sent with flaming fingers 
To prepare the Ro^^al Virgin 
As the offspring of the sky. 
Clothed with Light, alert and sleepless 
Sparing not, each soul they scan, 
Pass it through the flame and try it 
Morning, evening, unrelenting 
Through the dreary life of man. 
Sometimes as the grain they beat it 
And the shining wheat lay bare; 
Sometimes as the gold they heat it, 
Seven times in flame repeat it 
Till it gloweth bright and fair. 
When the seven-fold heat is greatest 
Then the dross lets go its hold. 
Yea! The flame removes the faithless 
From the Christ, as in the burning- 
Dross is severed from the gold. 
When the poor soul feels the burning 
And would fly, but dares remain, 
Then, behold on wings extended 
Cometh ready help from heaven 
Giving strength to bear the pain; 
Lovingly the Judge in mercy 
-Bendeth low to hear her cry. 
Bids her follow in His leading 
Walk the path His feet have trodden 
To the rest and peace on high. 
Forth He sends a faithful guardian 
Watch to keep, both day and night, 



THE ADVENT BRIDE. 155 

From whose brow a heavenly radiance 

Flashes on the way of duty, 

To the realms of Life and Light. 

He the guardian, show^s occasion 

For each noble, loving deed. 

Shows the matchless grace resistless, 

Ever read}^ for the asking 

In the crying time of need; 

Strength to shun each joy seductive, 

Toil pursue, or danger dare, 

And the cross rough hewn or jeweled, 

In the way that God appointeth. 

Patiently in love to bear; 

Shows the Church for which the Savior 

On the cross in anguish died, 

That the loving eye may see her, 

That the hearts that love Messiah 

May as truly love His Bride, 

And in time of grief surround her 

Faithfully and tenderl}^ 

As the bleeding hearts that gathered 

Round the dying Lord of glorj^ 

On the hill of Calvary. 

At his touch the soul when sleeping 

Wakes, ere strikes the wily foe; 

When she calls, this guardian angel 

Takes her hand and safely leadeth 

In the way her feet should go; 

If she call not, still he pointeth 

To the dangers on the road 

While the wily tempter trieth 

Which is stronger, death wathin her, 

Or the Light and Life of God. 

If she fall, but still arising 



156 THE ADVENT BRIDE. 

Crieth out for help, 'tis then 

That He lovingly entreats her 

To be strong, unless the tempter, 

Coming, she may fall again. 

Strength to move the very mountains 

Standeth read}^ at her call; 

Everj' fearful form of evil 

Reared aloft by Satan's power 

At her earnest cry will fall 

Though most weak and frail, the great Judge 

Gives her time, and day by da}^ 

Waits and watches that she conquer, 

At her call sends ready succor, 

Bids her w^atch and fast and pray; 

Never, when for help she crieth 

Will He fail to stoop and hear, 

And for ever}' soul that dieth 

While He sits within and trieth 

In His love lets fall a tear. 

W^hen the tempter tries and tries her. 

And all Life and hope have fled, 

Only then the angel guardian 

With the mark of Cain upon her, 

Leaves her numbered wdth the dead; 

While for every soul that triumphs 

'Gainst the hidden wiles of sin, 

There are shouts among the angels, 

Who, descending, help the toilers 

All the wa}' of Life to win. 

XVL 

Lo ! The Spirits good and evil, 
Which pervade the earth and sky, 



THE ADVENT BRIDE. 157 

Sent of God, shall weave the vesture 
111 the great loom of the heavens 
Which the Bride shall beautify. 
Through the biting flame consuming 
Shall their restless footsteps guide, 
Till within the dreadful burning 
She from every evil turning 
Shall be cleansed and purified. 
All her fair and costly garments 
Whitened are by flame and blood, 
And the strength to do and suffer 
Shall, fore^^er and forever, 
Be her oneness with her Lord. 

XVII. 

Loud above the darkened nations, 
Age by age the trump is blown, 
Calling day by day to judgment, 
While above revolving cycles 
Spreads the living, burning throne. 
Seen and known by quickened Spirits 
Sits the Judge in peerless might, 
While unerring, sleepless powers 
Gather from the flame and burning 
All the children of the Light. 

XVIII. 

Few indeed with fine perception 
Can the heavenly forces see ; 
Truth revealed through all the ages, 
To the blind as glorious sunset 
Passes all unseen awav. 



158 THE ADVENT BRIDE. 

Thus the Lord of Life and glon\ 
Cometh as a thief at night, 
Only known to those about Him 
While the world in midnight darkness 
Heedeth not, nor sees His Light. 
When the cleansing and adorning 
For the nuptials shall be o'er, 
And the Holy Church in beauty 
Comes in perfect love to oneness 
With her Lord forevermore, 
Then the cry: "Behold He cometh," 
Shall be sounded through the night, 
And the eyes so used to weeping 
Shall be lifted up to see Him 
Coming with the hosts of Light. 

XIX. 

She the Bride meanwhile unconscious 
That her loving Lord is near 
Watches through the troubled ages, 
Counts with aching heart the seasons 
Of the passing Christian Year. 
Yea ! She cries aloud in anguish, 
Calling on the Bridegroom's name, 
While the unrelenting Spirits 
Guiding with unerring wisdom 
Lead her through and through the flame; 
And she knows not that her trials 
Piercing, searching day by day 
Are the fingers of the Angels, 
And the fierceness of the burning 
Is to take her dross awav. 



THE ADVENT BRIDE. 159 

XX. 

Patiently her Lord beside her 

Waits, till cleansed from spot and stam, 

She shall rise in peerless beauty 

Over all the ransomed nations 

Evermore with him to reign. 

Men unthinking, in amazement 

Wonder at the things they see : ^ 

For they know not, slow of learning, 

That the passing through the burning 

Is the dreadful Judgment Day ; 

That the holy Church ascendeth 

Into everlasting rest, 

As o'er all the subtile forces 

Round about her path, she cometh 

Into oneness without the Christ. 

XXI. 

Thus arising from the burning 

Ever upward day by day, 

Purified and clothed in beauty 

Souls from out the fiery trial 

Pass into the Life away. 

And the holy Bride of Jesus 

Through the sinful world abroad, 

Clothed in Light by Angel fingers, 

Riseth out of tribulation 

Into oneness with her Lord. 

Now was stillness through the chamber; 

Hushed and silent as the dead 

Thev who listened to the stranger 

Deep within their inmost bosoms 



160 THE ADVENT BRIDE. 

Treasured up the words He said. 

Full of wonder in amazement, 

While about enrapt the}^ stood, 

Lo ! The Woodman came to Alian 

Holding up a flaming jewel 

Crimson as the Savior's blood. 

"Take," said He, "this thing of beauty, 

Mate it as no other can, 

With a former jewel given. 

Then thine eyes shall see the secret 

Hidden since the world began. 

In the coming nuptials place them 

O'er the platted thorny crown, 

O'er the fair brow of the maiden 

Where of old the bleeding Savior 

Felt the biting of the thorn." 

XXII. 

While the loved ones looked and wondered, 

As the waning of the day, 

As the blush along the heavens. 

Fading from the sight, the Woodman 

As a vision, passed away. 

Then Behold! A heavenly radiance 

Fell upon the quickened sight, 

And abroad, through all the nations 

Saw they Christ, the living Savior 

Moving on the wings of Light. 

By the Spirit's touch illumined. 

All unveiled were wondrous things. 

Holy angels, living powers 

Moving through the earth and heaven 

Evermore on restless wings. 



THE ADVENT BRIDE. 161 

XXIII. 

Mitylene meekly rising, 

In the loving presence stood; 

From her eyes a light was streaming 

And her features fair were beaming 

With the Light and Life of God. 

Glad, with swelling heart, in wonder, 

Cried she: 'Xo! Mine eyes have seen 

Christ the Lord of Life and glory 

Clothed in power as raiment, 

Reigning in the hearts of men. 

Now illumined by the Spirit 

I behold Him, Light of Light, 

As a Judge the faithful sifting, 

And from thoughtful hearts uplifting 

All the shadows of the night 

Testing Satan's hurtful power 

By the Light and Life of God; 

And the Church by burning, bringing 

Purified, nor spot nor wrinkle, 

Into Oneness with her Lord. 

XXIV. 

He is in our homes and Churches, 
Schools of learning, tides of thought, 
In upheavals, revolutions; 
Yea! The old world's forward movements 
By the Living Christ are wrought. 
He who moves the worlds of beauty 
Through the azure depths on high. 
Guiding all the hidden forces, 
Also moves our hearts and lifts us 
To the Life that fills the sky. 



162 THE ADVENT BRIDE. 

'Tis the Christ Who in His people 
Stroke on stroke, not made in vain, 
Breaks the Shackles off the nations, 
Frees the heaven born Spirit in them 
Never to be bound again. 
Who in speaking, bronze and granite, 
Stands beside the mighty sea. 
Holds aloft the torch of freedom. 
Cries aloud and bids the bounden 
Rise and everywhere be free. 

XXV. 

In His Church as in a body, 
Holy Prophet, Priest, and King, 
Gives He Life and makes atonement 
'Till the ransomed world be gathered 
'Neath the shadow of His wing. 
From His brow the Light of heaven 
Penetrates the darkened soul. 
And the old world and its heavens 
Rolls awa}^ with death and darkness 
As the winding of a scroll. 
This indeed is He, the Bridegroom 
Waiting till the flame hath tried. 
Till the fingers of the angels 
Have in beauty set the jewels 
On the person of the Bride, 
lyo! My dream is now fulfilling 
And it is the Father's will 
As He taught me in the vision 
How to bring my Manaen to me 
And the promise to fulfill. 



THE ADVENT BRIDE. li^O 

XXVI. 

While she spake, along the highway 

Through the darkness of the night 

Came the gentle aged Aztec, 

While the holy, lighted temple 

Glittered as a jewel bright. 

Glad he held his burning torch up 

As a faithful, trusty guide, 

And with young men of the village 

Quietly and unexpected 

Sought the presence of the Bride. 

XXVII. 

Long they waited while the virgins 
Placed their snowy vestments fair, 
With their apt and ready fingers 
Placed the thorny crown they platted 
O'er the coils of braided hair. 

XXVIII. 

In the Church enrobed and waiting 
Stood the Priest beside the rail, 
Till the Bride's adorning perfect, 
O'er the beauty of her person 
Fell the snowy bridal veil. 
All was ready, when advancing 
As some lovely Eastern queen, 
With her fair attendant virgins, 
Where the loving Bridegroom waited 
Came the gentle Myteline. 
There before her Manaen Hobah 
Guided by the hand of God, 
Glad as was the heart of Jacob 



164 THE ADVENT BRIDE.- 

When he found his long lost Joseph 

In his manly beauty stood. 

"It is Manaen," cried the maiden, 

Sinking on his heaving breast, 

"God indeed hath brought thee to me, 

And ni}^ heart hath seen thy coming 

And the coming of the Christ. ' ' 

XXIX. 

Pen cannot describe the meeting, 
Mind cannot the scene portray; 
Yea! The gladness of the moment 
Was as meeting of the waters 
In the tumult of the sea. 



Now the music of the service 
Rose upon the midnight air, 
And the Spirits' benediction 
Rested on the loving people 
Gathered in the house of prayer. 
Through the Church's open portals 
Passed the jo^^ous bridal train, 
And the Church was full of gladness, 
As of joy that runs through heaven 
When the lost is found again. 

XXXI. 

Hand in hand the troth was plighted, 

Lovingly each vow was made, 

Words by which their lives were welded 

W^ith the jo3'ous flow of music 

As by angel lips were said. 



THE ADVENT BRIDE. 165 

When the priestly words were uttered 
And for aye, the two made one, 
S3'mbol of the Church perfected 
Brought to everlasting oneness 
In the Father, with the Son, 
When the Bride for benediction 
Kneeling, meekly bowled her head 
Allan placed the mated jewels 
O'er the crowai and platted tresses 
As the unknown giver said. 

XXXII. 

As the twain arose a wonder 

Burst upon the startled sight, 

Through the aisles, o'er priest and people, 

Round the Bride in radiant beauty 

Softly fell a heavenly Light. 

O'er her brow the Light encircling 

Formed the image of a dove, 

While upon the mystic jew^els 

Full and fair, these words were wTitten, 

''ChiHst is timtli revealing Love.'" 

Then a voice arose as music. 

Crying: thus the Spirit saith, 

"All who will may live forever ; 

For the Love that Truth revealeth 

Is the Life that conquers Death.'' 

XXXIII. 

Round about, the Light effulgent 
Fairer, brighter than the day. 
Filled the little Church with glory 
And through all the vale of darkness 



166 THE ADVENT BRIDE. 

Lighted up the narrow wa}-. 
Then the virgins on the mountain 
In the fourth watch of the night 
Heard a tumult of rejoicing 
And the cry, "Behold He cometh 
On the spreading wings of Light." 
In the Light each one remembered 
How that Love makes all men One 
Through one Spirit with the Father, 
And that this is the at-one-ment 
Made with God, through Christ the Son, 
That this growing into oneness 
Is the Great King's marriage feast, 
Sinful men redeemed from evil, 
One with God and with each other 
B}^ their oneness with the Christ ; 
That the Life exalts the faithful, 
Brings them to that blest abode 
Where the loved ones of all ages 
Rising out of tribulation 
Come to oneness with the Lord ; 
Where the holy Church perfected, 
Leaneth on the Savior's breast 
In the Father's man}' mansions, 
Where the wicked cease from troubling 
And the weary are at rest. 

XXXIV. 

Here my ready art hath failed me ; 
For no pen can draw^ the scene, 
Tell the rapturous joy exceeding. 
When the maiden, unexpecting, 
Looked upon her Manaen. 



THE ADVENT BRIDE. 167 

Can the heart conceive the rapture 
Which shal rise the Church within 
When she shall perceive beside her 
Christ, her Lord, long waiting for her. 
Through the darkness all unseen. 
Lo! The Lord of Life is waiting 
Till the gladsome time shall come, 
When with shining hosts about Him, 
Clothed in Life and Light and beauty 
He shall bear His loved one home. 
You ma}' see Him, O beloved! 
Though not with the carnal eye ; 
Spirits piercing, undimmed vision 
Can alone perceive the Spirits 
And the powers of the sky. 
You may see God's holy angels, 
Feel their wings within your breast. 
Feel their noiseless burning footsteps, 
And above them fair and radiant 
See the everhving Christ. 

XXXV. 

This is not a poet's fiction 
Open to the thoughtless ken ; 
'Tis a picture, though imperfect 
Of the living princely powers 
Moving through the hearts of men. 
Where the carcass is, the eagle's, 
Gathered are, and so the Christ, 
Now unto the eagle visioned, 
Shineth as the lightning flasheth 
From the East unto the West. 
Was it not foretold us plainly 



1B8 THE ADVENT BRIDE. 

Ere the end should come that day 

That the Lord of Life departed, 

He should come, The Prince of this World, 

And the living Faith decay. 

That should come contentions, strivings, 

And with many love grow cold, 

God should smite the faithful shepherd 

And the ravening wolves should enter, 

Scatter and not spare the fold. 

That a "little while" He cometh 

As a thief at dead of night, 

While men sleep in midnight darkness, 

'Till the sinful world is wakened 

By the spreading of the Light, 

That all eyes should look upon Him, 

That the Light the Foe should slay. 

That by Him the heavenly Kingdom 

To the Father should be given 

Which shall never pass away, 

That should be one fold and shepherd, 

All the born of God made one. 

Knit and bound in love together, 

One forever and forever 

In the Father, with the Son. 

This beloved is At-one-ment, 

Man redeemed made One with God, 

All the rended scattered churches 

Brought to everlasting Oneness 

By their Oneness with the Lord. 

3Iara7iatha/ Maranatha! 

Even so, Lord Jesus come ; 

Cleanse Th}^ holy Church and make her 

One with Thee in Life and take her 

Evermore unto Thy home. 



THE ADVENT BRIDE. 



169 



Be ye lifted up forever 
O, ye everlasting gates ! 
Look ! O Daughter fair of Zion ! 
He the Lord of Life and glory 
For His well beloved waits. » 




The Trial. 



In the bosom of each mortal 
Dwells unseen an angel guardian, 
Full of eyes, alert and sleepless 

Watchmg for the weal of men. 
To his charge the soul is given, 
Ivest within the dreary darkness, 
From the way of Life she wander 

Never to return again. 

From his brow, in heavenly radiance, 
'Long the way of Life eternal 
Shines a Light upon the pathway 

To the heavenly rest afar ; 
Showing to the Spirit's vision 
Every subtile form of evil, 
Flashing through the dreary darkness, 

As a beauteous blazing star. 

Fair as light within a garden. 
As our Mother Eve in Eden, 
In the presence of the Tempter, 

Thoughtless as a child at pla}^ 
Dwells the stainless soul immortal, 
Given to his subtile pow-er, 
Who by trial , findeth whether 

She will stand, or fall away. 

If she fall, the death eternal 
Springeth up within her being. 



172 THE TRIAL. 

Guides her willing feet and leads her 

Into all excess of shi. 
Then the earth brings forth her briars; 
Ever}^ tearing pang of sorrow 
Hangs along the wa}' of evil 

When the poor soul stoops to sin. 

On the boughs of evil knowledge 
Hang in shining, golden clusters 
Lucious fruits, all too enticing 

To the lustful gaze of men: 
He the sleepless, angel guardian 
Warns us not to pluck or taste them, 
Lest b}^ eating, grow within us 

All the hurtful force of sin. 

But, the Tempter dread allures us 
By their perfect forms of beaut3^ 
By the daring, bold assurance 

That the eating makes one wise ; 
While the guardian angel whispers. 
That the weakness, whence the wisdom, 
Is the Death, the armed angel 

At the gate of Paradise. 

He who eats of joys forbidden, 
'Gainst the loving, heavenly warning, 
Findeth Death enthroned within him. 

While the kind monitions cease. 
In the Trial he has fallen, 
And a flaming sword arising, 
Guards the Tree of Life, that standeth 

In the midst of Paradise. 



THE TRIAL. 173 

Think not, O, thou child of evil! 
That the wretched soul who wanders 
From the Life and peace of heaven 

Finds it eas}' to return ; 
For the way of Life is narrow, 
And the aspect stern of virtue 
Is the flaming sword, that turneth 

Ever}^ way your feet may turn. 

Souls that cannot bear life's Trial, 
Have no strength to do and suffer. 
Working good in face of evil, 

'Mong the blessed have no place: 
Thus the Father, wills the passing 
Through the burning, fiery Trial, 
And in clouds, from the beloved, 

Hides the brightness of His face. 

He hath work for evil angels. 

And through shining worlds, unnumbered, 

Through the cycles of the ages. 

Evil souls have work to do: 
Such are formed for deeds of darkness 
And the subtile hosts of evil. 
Separate them, vile and graceless. 

From the faithful, good and true. 

He, the very Life and essence, 
Of eternal Truth and Goodness, 
Hath no pleasure in our sufferings. 
When the deathless soul is tried ; 
But the whole of heaven rejoices. 
When the poor soul, looking upward. 



174 THE TRIAL. 

Rises o'er the Tempter's power, 
Through a bod}' crucified. 

Thus the subtile forms of evil, 
Dreadful, watchful, all pervading, 
Knowing every human weakness, 

Are ordained to sift and try ; 
And 'tis through the fiery trial. 
That the soul leaps up unfettered. 
Mounting on its strengthened pinions 

To the mansions of the sky. 

When the wih' Tempter cometh. 
They who fall into the evil, 
Ever helpless to resist it, 

Eat the fruit that makes them wise, 
Makes them feeling, know the evil. 
Then the flaming sword arising, 
Guardeth every way that leadeth 

Back to peace and Paradise. 

Down the way of endless darkness. 
Leads the wise and subtile Spirit, 
With temptations, aptly chosen. 

To entice and lead astra}'. 
Though within, the Angel Guardian 
Cries aloud and shows the danger. 
Still the soul, with blunted senses, 

Heareth not, nor turns away. 

Thus through all the troubled ages. 
Since Messiah came \w Judgment, 
Seated on His throne within us, 
Has progressed the Trial dread. 



THE TRIAL. 175 

Souls unconscious of the presence, 
Day by day, are tried and sifted, 
And fill up the heavenly garners, 
Or are numbered with the dead. 

"Prince of this world!" in this judgment, 
He who sits enthroned within us, 
Tries in thee, the strength of evil, 

'Gainst the powers of the Light; 
While the day of God advances, 
And the sullen hosts of darkness 
Go reluctant, beaten, driven 

To the endless gloom of night. 

And the hosts of God arising 
From the dreadful fiery trial. 
As the gold comes from the burning, 

Pass into the starry skies ; 
And as holy constellations. 
One b}' one, in radiant beauty. 
Shining as the light of heaven. 

O'er the darkened nations rise. 



No Cross, No Crown. 



O bitter crown of anguish, 
Besprinkled o'er with blood, 

B}" cruel fingers platted, 
To crown the Son of God ! 



176- XO CROSS, NO CROWN. 

None wear such crown, but princes 

Of highest, best degree, 
Who bear the Cross, and follow 

The Christ to Calvary. 

The strong, the angel-hearted, 

Who toil for others' gain, 
Wear aye this crown, be jeweled 

With rub}' drops of pain. 
The red gems gleam and glitter, 

In light, upon the brow. 
Which comes from the hereafter 

To guide our footsteps now. 

This crown, the world bestoweth 

Upon the great and good. 
Whose feet will dare to walk in 

The narrow wa}' to God; 
Who lead the toiling army. 

Against the might of sin, 
And for the Lord of Glory 

The final conquest win. 

The world is ever ready 

God's children to adorn ; 
She gives a crown of glory, 

But weaves it out of thorn. 
O, Father! hear and grant me 

To wear this radiant crown, 
When at the feet of Jesus, 

I lay the red cross down. 



Bloodguiltincss. 



"Our mother the Church, hath never a child 

To honor before the rest, 
But she singeth the same for mighty Kings 

And the verriest babe on her breast." (coxe.) 
But, Mother the Church, hath many a child, 

Whom she turns on the world to die, 
As cruel men turn cattle forth. 

When the fountains of life run dr3^ 

And many a priest of the most High God, 

Unheeded sinks to his rest, 
Wliose thread-bare garb, enfolds a heart. 

That aches as the heart of Christ, 
For the thoughtless ones, who care not for 

The faithful and the true, 
And thus their Master crucify 

While "they know not what the^^ do." 

Our mother the Church, has stains of blood 

On her snowy vestments fair. 
And the loving eyes of the Son of God 

Have wept to see them there. 
And pleading have turned to the Father's throne 

In the deepness of His love. 
That His light may shine on the crimson spots. 

And the glaring shame remove. 



178 THE KINGDOM OF GOD. 

Oh! Mother the Church, regard thy sons, 

Who have heard the dear Lord's cry, 
And giving up all, have followed Him 

And are not afraid to die ; 
The crown of thorns, upon the brow. 

In glittering light we see. 
To them, 'tis glor}^ honor, power. 

But, 'tis a shame to thee. 



The Kingdom of God. 



God's Kingdom is not of this world, 
With trampling hosts and flags unfurled 
Though unperceived b}" flesh and sense, 
'Tis real, yea, 'tis not from hence. 

The battle, which his children win, 
Is not with clamor, noise and din; 
But is the conquest of the Light, 
O'er fearful shadows of the night. 

The heaven where the faithful go, 
Is not of gold and jewels ; no! 
In all creation, far and wide, 
The well beloved of God abide. 

The rapture of the saints, untold, 
Is not to walk on streets of gold ; 
But in those glittering worlds abroad, 
To be, and live The Life of God. 



THK KINGDOM OF GOD. 179 

The jewels which God's children wear, 
Are not rich stones, on braided hair ; 
But graces, bright, exalted, true. 
Which noble, loving deeds can do. 

Man's real life, is not the breath, 
Which going from us, men call death ; 
But is the Life of God above, 
That fills creation broad, with love. 

Nor, is the yielding of the breath, 
What is indeed, most truly death ; 
Where is no Love, its Light to shed, 
There only are the truly dead. 

What is, is endless, and to be. 

Is either life, or death alway ; 

The living thing, that yields the breath. 

Is only taking wing at death. 

Thus, they who live, and yet are dead ; 
Where evil reigns the Life instead, 
Cease not their being, with their breath, 
But still live on ; their life is death. 

Such need no place apart to dwell, 
No biting flame; themselves are hell ; 
Themselves are torture, and to be 
Is flame enough, for aye and aye. 

Salvation meaneth saved from sin; 
Damnation is the Death within; 
The diff'rence is not in the place, 
But in degrees of death and grace. 



180 CHOOSING A BISHOP. 

The gulf betwixt the saved and lost, 
Is not of flame, all tempest tossed, 
From hence 'tis fixed, to heaven above, 
The distance, is 'twixt hate and love. 

The flame, that is not quenched, the coal 
That penetrates and burns the soul, 
Is Spirit, unrelenting, thin, 
That follows every act of sin. 

The glittering way from hence to God 
Is marked b}' ruby stains of blood. 
The signs of conflict with the Foe : 
'Tis not a path of roses ; No! 

The steps we make, are made within : 
Each one a triumph over sin ; 
The end, when all the way is trod, 
Is oneness zvith the Christ, i7i God, 

The -crown of Life, which then we wear. 
Is made of platted thorns, but there 
The ruby drops, that here run down, 
Are jewels in this fadeless crown. 



Choosing a Bishop. 



The mitre, place ye not on him. 

Whose thoughtless heart would dare, 

Ambitioush^ to thrust his head, 
A jeweled crown to wear: 



CHOOSING A BISHOP. 181 

And place it not, with worldl}^ craft; 

Nor on the partizan; 
God's Spirit, tells us how to look, 

His Spirit marks the man. 

It is a crown of thorns, and he 

Who wears it for his good ; 
Who wears it for the Church's weal. 

Must wear it like the Lord, 
As chief to suffer, in the way. 

So rough, so hard to tread, 
Must make it by his deeds of love 

To glorify his head. 

He is not Christ's, who in the Church 

Seeks out the highest seat. 
For Christ Himself, stopped down to wash 

His own disciples' feet, 
And taught us b}^ this act, that in 

The Kingdom from above. 
The highest exaltation is 

The perfectness of love. 

The noblest of the Sons of God, 

Are such, as feel no shame, 
In doing any menial act 

To glorif}^ His name ; 
And they shall find, when comes that da}^ 

The winding up of 3'ears, 
They too have washed those wear}^ feet. 

Which Mar}^ wa-shed with tears. 

The man of God loves not to be 
Exalted in men's eyes, 



182 WRITTEN IN AN ALBUM. 

But craveth strength to do and bear, 

With all self-sacrifice. 
To him, position, power, fame, 

Temptations, are a snare. 
From which he turns his heart away 

By fasting and by praj'er. 

O, Father! guide Thy holy Church 

With wisdom from on high, 
To choose, who most Thy holy name 

Shall laud and magnify; 
Who most shall do Thy holy will; 

Who most Thy will shall bear. 
And ever like the bleeding I^ord, 

The painful glor}^ wear. 



Written in an Album. 



Upon this page, so pure and clean 

I breathe a prayer; 
That God will keep thy loving heart 

As clean and fair, 
And write in clear and deathless lines 

His image there. 
And, that thy life in love well spent, 

Thy name, shall be 
Imprinted on the Book of Life 

For aye and aye, 
And graven deep upon the heart 

Of God, alway. 



Morning, Noon and Night. 



I. 

MORNING. 

My God, m}' Father! Who in peace hath kept 
Th}' children from the evil while we slept, 
In mere}', guide and guard us, in Thy way, 
Through all the struggles of this present day. 

From angels, sinless powers, andarchangels high 
Trisagions, roll in floods along the sky. 
All nature, and the living creatures raise 
In tender accents, loving songs of praise. 

But we, so sinful Lord! and full of stains 

But feebly utter, such exalted strains. 

So weak, with dreadful foes, weighed down with care 

The hymn exultant, ever turn to prayer. 

Behold! The Foe is here, the dawn hath found 
Him, watching still the narrow way around; 
And all about us, thinner than the breath. 
Are marshaled legions, of the host of death. 

Like soldiers trained to war, disguised they prowl 
Unseen and dreadful, round the helpless soul, 



184 MORNING, NOON AND NIGHT. 

They march as warriors, in the host of Light, 
To lead astra}^ and foil us in the fight. 

Some wear the radiant garb of angels high 
As sent to guard and guide, when'foes are nigh; 
And others, watching long, in ambush hide, 
To take us, if we turn our steps aside. 

Temptations, strong and fearful, day by da}^, 
Are strewn as jewels bright along our way. 
And angel forms allure us, but to win 
Our weary footsteps to the walks of sin. 

Still others strive, in cruel station higher. 
And lash us, as with flaming swords of fire; 
Deprive us of our fortunes, comforts, ease. 
And slay us in the tortures of disease. 

And this, O Father ! but to turn away, 
Our poor, sad hearts, from serving Thee, 
To bring despair, for in our bitter lot, 
Thou seem'st to hide Tyself and heed us not. 

But Father ! Weak and fainting though we be, 
Through Thine own Son, have we been born to Thee 
Then clothe us with Thyself , be Thou our might 
'Gainst all the powers of the foe to fight. 

And, if he wound us, and we fall, give then 
In mercy Lord! the strength to rise again. 
And strive, 'till in Thy image and forever free. 
We are redeemed, exalted and made one with Thee. 



MORNING, NOON AND NIGHT. 185 

II. 

NOON. 

My God, my Father! Now with suppliant knee, 
Out from the sinful world, we come to Thee ; 
We fain would tread the paths our Savior trod, 
And fight the battles of the Lamb of God. 

All weak and faint, unarmed, undrilled, we stand, 
With every subtile fiend and foe at hand ; 
Be with us then; our fortress be, and might. 
And in Thy mercy, teach our hands to fight. 

With Thine own weapons, Lord! eternal Truth and Love, 
All radiant, with the powers from above. 
May we go forth, in faith, and peerless might, 
'Gainst all the powers of the Foe to fight. 

Against the evil of the heart within. 
The world without, and all the tribes of sin. 
Yea! Give us strength to triumph, and to rise 
Unto the many mansions of the skies. 

Let Thou no worldly gains, or pleasures sweet, 
From hardness of the contest, turn our feet, 
And may no love, or care for. self, restrain 
Our feet from walking in the paths of pain. 

Give Thou us strength, to strive unto the death. 
And serve Thee with the latest dying breath; 
Be Thou our Leader, and our ways control, 
Lest, while we gain the World, we lose the soul. 



186 MORXING, NOON AND NIGHT. 

And let us not be doubting, nor forget 
That Thou, O, Word of God! art living yet ; 
That Thou, not we, with high, angelic train, 
Dost build Th}" Kingdom, in the hearts of men. 



Oh! Let us not be fearful, but be strong, 
And meet the Foe, and strive and suffer long, 
Till Thou, Thyself, shalt call us from the strife, 
To crown us, with the crown of endless Life. 

Against the ' 'Laze/ess One, ' ' ' 'The Man of Sin," 
Who towers as a prince, Thy Church within. 
May we fight long and well, 'till he be slain. 
And Thou, dear Savior, come in peace to reign. 

Let Thy sweet Kingdom come from shore to shore, 
Let all be one in Thee, and strive no more, 
'Till from the hate of varying clan and sect, 
We rise, "The Kingdom of the Lord's elect. 



III. 

NIGHT. 

O, Radiant Leader of the hosts of Light, 
Resplendent in Thy grace, and peerless might! 
With aching hearts, and wounded in the fra}^ 
P'or rest, we gather, at the close of day. 

Our ranks are thin, for in the dreadful strife, 
Have fallen many, from the wa}' of Life, 



MORNING, NOON AND NIGHT. 187 

And all unconscious of the wa3\s they tread, 
Are bound with many chains, and captive led. 

The loved ones, who so precious in Th}^ sight, 
Had thought to wear the crowns of Glor}^ and of Light 
Ensnared by powers, fearful and unseen. 
Deceived, are walking in the paths of sin. 

We, havenotcome, unharmed, with armor bright 
But many times have fallen in the fight, 
And now with wounds that rack the soul with pain 
At eve, we gather from the strife again. 

But still, the Foe, with eyes, that never sleep, 
Prowls like a wolf, around the flock of sheep. 
And through the weary watches of the night, 
With stealthy step, advances to the fight. 

Then Savior! Captain! In Thy wounded breast, 
Oh ! Let us la}^ our weary heads to rest ; 
Watch by our side, and in Thy mercy keep 
Th}^ fainting children in a peaceful sleep. 

And when the night is past, and still we go, 
All weak and faint, to strive against the Foe, 
And on he comes, in darkness, and in might 
Our fingers, teach to war, our hands to fight. 

And when the fight is o'er, the vict'ry won, 
And all Thou gavest Lord, to do is done. 
Though maimed and halt, in mercy let us rest, 
In peace forever, in Thy wounded breast. 



188 MORNING, NOON AND NIGHT. 

IV. 

O 1 PEERLESS LEADER— 

O, Peerless Leader of the hosts of Light! 
With crown, and flaming sword, and armor bright 
From Thy fair Kingdom, Lo! Thy Light we see, 
And from the darkness, come to follow Thee. 

The "Prince of this w^orld," with an iron rod, 
Now^ ruleth o'er us, in the room of God ; 
Doth trample with his feet, in peerless reign, 
And sway all nations, of the sons of men. 

His minions tread with impious feet and foul, 
The living chambers of the deathless soul; 
Around that temple, where, Th3\self should' stdw^ell 
Encamp the legions of the hosts of hell. 

They marshal there their warriors for the fight, 
And build the ramparts and the towering height 
They scale the ruby walls, with feet unclean, 
Or lie in ambush for the souls of men. 

And where, along Thy Kingdom's borders far, 
Each soul redeemed, alike some blazing star, 
Keeps constant watch, the}' come and go. 
And take no rest to work our overthrow\ 

O, Savior! free us with Thy arm of might. 
And makes us Thine, the children of the Light. 
With shining armor, helmet, shield and sword, 
Make Thou us, Soldiers of the Living God, 

And give us grace and strength, to toil and fight, 
'Till coming down from heaven, fair and bright 
Th}- Kingdom shall prevail o'er death and night, 
O, Peerless Leader of the hosts of Light. 



Chari Dei. 



These are Christ's faithful ones, 

The holy men, 
Watching, fasting, lest 

When He come again 

He find them sleeping. 

Toilers, these all the da}' 

In heat and paiii 
Sowing, with busy hands 

The shining grain. 

For the last great reaping. 

These are the children of gri^f : 

Sad mourners here ; 
Sufferers for others' gain. 

Through all the year. 

Who work in weeping. 

These are the rich, whose wealth 

Is far above. 
Noble, exalted souls. 

In deeds of love, 

Their treasure heaping. 

These are the deathless few 

Who live on high 
Up, where their treasure is. 

In the great deep sky 

In God's sure keeping. 



Cross of Christ. 



Cross of Christ ! Thou lovely tree! 
Sweet is all th}^ wood to me; 
Sweet in measure, sweet in grace, 
Sweet where turned the Savior's face, 
When hung to die. 

Sweet thy nails, thy form of pain, 
Sweet th}^ spots of bloody stain. 
Sweet where hung that fainting head. 
Where those limbs in pain were spread, 
Which did no ill. 

Glow, bright tree, o'er altars fair, 
Where Christ walks, be thou too there. 
On each height, exalted, lone, 
Shed the light, when day is gone, 
And greet it first. 

O'er each way, o'er hill and glen, 
Meet thou first the eyes of men: 
Blood stained wood ! from week to week, 
All the world must hear thee speak. 
And learn of thee. 

Cross of Christ, so crimson red! 
Stand aloft, th}^ arms outspread: 
Tree of Life! Sweet thing of sense ! 
Speak in thy mute eloquence. 
Of Jesus' death. 



CROSvS OF CHRIST. 191 

Speak of love, the distance show, 
Christian men in love should go: 
Speak, till all shall weep in shame, 
Who but wear the Savior's name. 
And suffer none. 

Cross of Christ, that soul is dead, 
Who can see the I^ord's blood shed, 
Who can see thy Light on high, 
And would not feel blessed to die, 
Like Christ the Lord. 

Holy Church, dost thou not place 
On each brow, this sign of grace. 
Place it there, in love to show, 
How that we in weal or w^oe. 
Should work for good? 

Cross of Christ, I feel thee now. 
Feel thee burn into my brow. 
Well I know thee there to say: 
Christian, give thy life away, 
In works of love. 

Suffer thou, and bear thy cross. 
Christians gain in loss on loss ; 
They who most like Christ would be 
Suffer most, and make this tree 
A daily sign. 



At Home To-Day. 



To the Rev. Jno. N. Norton, D. D. of Frankfort, Ky. 

My spirit is over the sea to-day; 

O'er the deep unquiet sea, 
And walks the walks of my childhood days, 

Where the loved of my bosom be; 
It treads where often ni}' feet have trod, 
The way to the beautiful house of God. 

I hear the notes of love arise 

On the mellow, stilly air, 
And see the dearest of all the earth. 

Who kneel in that house of prayer ; 
I hear the glorious w^ords they say 
In that beautiful Church, so far away, 

I hear the moving and tender words. 

Of him I dearly love. 
Who found me beside the pathway of life. 

And guiding, and looking above, 
Hath brought me home to the Savior's Bride 
Now^ dearer than all the earth beside. 

I join the glorious tide of song, 

That rises so sweetly there, 
And kneel me dowm where ni)^ parents kneel, 

In an earnest and heartfelt prayer. 
The tender and eloquent words I sa\^. 
That rise to the Lord, from that Church away. 



AT HOME TO-DAY. 193 

The people around me know me not, 
For the world is great and broad ; 

Though they have the same sweet hope as I, 
And trust m the same dear Lord, 

But alas! The love of the Lord hath flown, 

AndHis children may wander the earth unknown 

Whenever I look on the churches here, 

Each beautiful, costly fane. 
How deepl}' I feel, in my inmost soul, 

That the Church is rent in twain ; 
That the children of God, in their darkness 
But the name of Love, and the outward show. 

The3^ call me here a heretic, 

The lip in scorn is curled ; 
They seem not to know, that Christ the Lord 

Hath a Chur-ch in all the world. 
And never have known of that inward birth 
That bindeth in one the whole of the earth. 

While far awa}^ in my own dear Church, 

My spirit in worship kneels, 
O Father of all! In thy mercy hear 

My prayer, and ni}^ strong appeals; 
For I beg in the name of Th}^ own dear Son 
That Thy Church on earth may again be one. 



The Church of England. 



'Tis said in ancient chronicle, 

That Jesus shed His light, 
In Greece, and Rome, and Britain, 

When all the world was night: 
The very cross that bore Him, 

Nor blight, nor rot had seen, 
Till Christ was known in Britain 

From Bangor to Carleen. 

A host had crossed the channel. 

And unseen moved abroad. 
With flaming sword and armor, 

The Leader was the Lord. 
The powers of the Spirit, 

On restless wings, were .sent 
To Cornwall, and to Lindisfarne, 

To Lindisfarne, from Kent. 

All through those woods primeval, 

Where Druid rites were heard, 
Now moved the Holy Spirit, 

And the army of the Word ; 
And like the living beauty. 

By costly jewels shed, 
Uprose the Savior's Kingdom ; 

The living from the dead. 



THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND. 195 

The first of Britain's teachers, 

Were Paul and Joseph, then 
Cindav the Jew and IHd, 

And brave Arwrystlyhen ; 
From those, with high commission, 

Most glorious lines descended, 
And Christ the Lord is with them, 

Until the world shall end. 



From Sumerset and Cornwall, 

St. Davids and Landaff, 
From lyanbadarn and Bangor, 

And far from St. Asaph, 
The lines from Christ went onward. 

Till ever}' where they spread. 
To make for Him disciples, 

And break the living bread. , 

From seeds the faithful planted. 

Rose Christians up to die, 
To suffer for the Britons, 

As Christ on Calvary: 
St. Alban, 5'ea and Aaron, 

And Socrates can claim, 
To be the first in Britain 

To suffer in Christ's name. 



In councils, stood her bishops. 
That all the world might see, 

That Christ's dear Church was living 
In this island of the vSea. 



196 THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND. 

When came the Monk Augustin, 
And trod her shores upon, 

They saw the 3^oke he brought them, 
And would not put it on. 

These holy bishops lifted, 

The first of any land, 
'Gainst Rome and her aggression, 

A meek, forbidding hand: 
The pope was not their father, 

Though in the bonds of love, 
They owned him as a brother, 

Their Father was above. 



Old Rome, could never conquer 

The spirit that she found 
E'er springing up in Britain, 

As seed springs from the ground; 
The Briton's Church loves friedom, 

And not the yoke that binds. 
From where the Roman placed it. 

They cast it to the winds. 

As restless waves of ocean 

That play upon her sea. 
From foreign lords and churches 

Old England, would be free. 
She knows her rites and powers. 

And scorns, with scorn of scorn, 
Who make a cruel shackle, 

And seeks to put it on. 



THK CHURCH OF ENGLAND. 197 

Old Latimer and Ridley, 

And Cranmen too, can show. 
As all her host of mart^Ts, 

How England's blood can flow, 
To drive away oppression, 

And keep her ever free. 
As God decreed forever. 

When he placed her in the sea. 

From Dinoth unto Wickliff, 

JFrom Wickliff unto Laud, 
Fought might}^ ones for England, 

Her Altars, Kings and God. 
Not Rome's unholy power, 

Could triumph o'er her long, 
For when she fights for such things, 

Old England's heart is strong. 

Thus, holy apostolic. 

All catholic and free, 
She calls to other churches. 

Beyond her narrow sea; 
That no presuming bishop 

May reign in Jesus' stead, 
That Christ, alone in glory 

May ever be the head. 

Now far unto the westward, 
Her surpliced lines have run, 

Till westward is the eastward. 
And all the earth is won. 



198 I WALK WITH HIM. 

Her children chant her worship, 
Her olden songs and free, 

Be^'ond the great Pacific, 
In the islands of the sea. 

The sun ne'er sets upon her, 

Nor does her worship cease, 
But rolls a tide Seraphic 

Of jo3'ous love and peace, 
'Till all the earth is circled. 

And floods of rapture rise. 
As hosts of angels meeting, 

And shouting through the skies. 

In Britain's Church I glors'. 

And pray the Lord that I 
Arising from her bosom 

Ma}^ meet Him in the sk}^; 
And ever will I pray Him, 

In tender love, that He 
Will make all other churches 

As lo3'al, noble, free. 



1 Walk With Him. 



I walk with Him 

From morn to eventide : 
Along the wa}', 

He treadeth by my side. 
The way is rough. 

And weary are my feet; 
But, Oh ! To walk with Him ! 

How blessed and how^ sweet. 



I WALK WITH HIM. 199 

The furnace, fierce 

With lurid flame and broad, 
Lies just across 

The narrow wa^' to God. 
He takes my hand 

And leads me through the flame ; 
I cry aloud. 

He leadeth still the same. 

I strain my eyes. 

And say: perchance my Lord, 
Around the flames. 

There is an easier road; 
But still He leads, 

And says: the gold is tried, 
And seven times 

In flame is purified. 

'Tis ever thus 

He comforts me, and still 
With cries I bend 

In anguish to His will. 
I deepl}^ strain 

The powers of my soul. 
To meekly bow 

Unto His firm control : 

For heaven hath 

No gift so dear to me, 
As passing through 

The flame, at last to be 
Like Christ My Lord, 

Who walketh by my side; 
No dross; but bright. 

Exalted, purified. 



The Rebuke. 



It was in the still of the evening, 

When the stars were bright, 
And the moon shed a silver}^ radiance 

On the clouds of night. 
I was looking down the pathwaj^, 

That led to my home; 
For — I said to myself — some loved one 

Perchance may come. 

As I looked, the way seemed brighter 

Than it seemed before ; 
And one, like the blessed Savior 

Drew nigh my door. 
He came all meekh-, gently 

Along the wa}^ ; 
His face lit up the garden, 

As the light of day. 

Till then, my heart had been aching. 

As if it would break, 
For the many things that I suffered 

For Jesus' sake ; 
And, Oh! I bitterly pra3^ed Him, 

To take me hence 
From the cross, the cross of affliction, 

And its offense. 

As nearer drew this bright One 

Unto m}' door. 
Came thoughts of Love and Duty 

As ne'er before. 



THE ANSWERED PRAYER. 201 

He stood with His death wounds bleeding, 

And bared His side. 
I saw that it was my Savior: — 

The crucified. 

In very shame, for ni}' weakness 

I hung my head. 
When I looked again. He was not, 

But a sweet voice said, 
"Let not, let not the servant 

Be above his Lord; 
Behold! how He labored and suffered 

And shed His blood." 

O, Jesus my blessed Savior, 

May I ever be, 
Still more and more in Thv likeness. 

As I follow Thee : 
May I labor and sorrow and suffer; 

But never again 
Think the cross Thou givest me heavy, 

Nor shrink from its pain. 



The Answered Prayer. 

I prayed in faith, not doubting 

That every faithful prayer 
Ascendeth up to heaven. 

Is heard and answered there. 
I prayed through Christ, believing 

That any pra5^er we frame. 
Doth find acceptance only 

As offered in His name. 



202 THE ANSWERED PRAYER. 

I prayed for God's great Spirit, 

To guide, to guard, to fill 
M3^ soul with strength and wisdom, 

To do His holy will ; 
That Christ, the Word eternal, 

Would come within my breast, 
And guide my painful footsteps, 

Through labor, unto rest. 

I prayed that my poor body. 

So tortured by disease, 
So racked with pain, and helpless 

Would find at last release. 
And filled with Life eternal, 

Forever free from pain, 
Would strive to build the Kingdom, 

Within the hearts of men. 

In perfect consecration 

Myself and all that's given 
In sixty or a hundred fold, 

To render back to heaven. 
I prayed in prayer most urgent, 

And ever in Christ's name; 
At morn, at night, unceasing, — 

At length the answer came. 

It was not an exemption 

From sorrow, pain and care. 
The which had been the burden 

Of every daily prayer ; 
But was the high conception 

Which lights my bosom still, 
That Love to God is two -fold, 

To do and bear His will. 



THE LOST WOMAN. 203 

Now, by this Light from heaven, 

The answer to my prayer, 
That stirs the Life within me. 

Brings peace and comfort there, 
I see, that while my body 

And all pertaining, dies, 
'Tis only thus, my Spirit 

Is fitted for the skies. 



The Lost Woman. 



I saw a poor lost woman. 

As she walked the street; 
Her clothing was thin and scanty, 

And bare her feet. 
Away she went in silence, 

With sunken eye, 
And dared not look for pity, 

From the passers by. 

For Lo ! She felt too deepl}^ 

Her soul within, 
How little feel the sinful, 

For those who sin. 
So she passed into the silence 

Through the frosty air. 
And went along the highway. 

She reck'd not where. 

She had a deal of beauty 

In her purer days, 
And tender ones to love her 

For her winning ways: 



204 THE LOST WOMAN. 

Had an}' one then told her 

That men deceive, 
She, pure and unsuspecting 

Could not believe. 



An evil one beheld her ; 

She erred and fell, 
And turned her thoughtless footsteps 

Towards death and hell. 
The fond ones, who would love her, 

To seek and save. 
In sorrow and heart broken 

Went down to the grave. 

She needed now good counsel, 

Some gentle one 
To speak kind words, to save her; 

But there was none. 
Had the meek and gentle Savior 

But met her then, 
He would have taught and led her 

Aback again. 



But, Christians, named for Jesus, 

Who call Him Lord, 
Tread not the wa3's of mercy 

Wherein He trod. 
Their tall and splendid Churches 

Are bright and fair. 
But 3'et, we find not always 

That Christ dwells there. 



THE LOST WOMAN. 205 

Alas! This poor lost woman, 

Has passed to-da}' 
Full many of these Christians, 

Along her way ; 
And now, when the winds are bitter, 

In the eventide, 
How many are there passing 

"On the other side." 

The sins we see in others. 

Are in our breast, 
And holy men may wander, 

Alike the rest ; ' 
Why then is there no pity, 

No love at all, 
To move the hearts of Christians, 

Towards those who fall. 

Methinks I see the Savior, 

At the day of doom, 
And all the dead, arising 

From out the tomb ; 
Methinks I see the false ones, 

As the}' go away. 
And in that dread confusion, 

Can hear Him say: 

Depart from me; ye cursed, 

Such is your Lot : 
Ye have not kept my sayings, 

And I know you not, 
Ye have not loved nor served me 

In all your days ; 
Inasmuch as ye have not done it 

Unto such as these. 



Lift Up the Light. 



Teach, O, ye teachers of the world 

With zeal and might. 
The wand'rers from the way of God, 

Need heavenly Light. 
The night is dark. The wa}- is rough 

In which we tread: 
And all along the narrow way 

Are pit falls spread. 

O'er barren wilds, not pastures green. 

Through all the day, 
With thoughtless feet, and heeding not 

W^e've gone astray: 
And now 'tis dark, from hill and vale 

Are forms of fear. 
And Lo ! The shepherd's voice 

We fail to hear. 

The Antechrist, who was to come, 

With power dread. 
Doth lead, unknown, the sheep of God 

In Jesus' stead. 
With crafty eye, alert he calls 

Unto the sheep, 
And far and wide, o'er scattered folds. 

His watch doth keep. 



LIFT UP THE LIGHT. 207 

The ravening wolf, with hungry jaws 

Prowls in the way. 
With fearful roar, the lion dread. 

Seeks for his pray: 
And we, the lost, have wandered far 

Into the night ; 
With trembling fear, we cr}' aloud 

For heavenly light. 

If careless of j^our tender charge, 

Ye fear, or sleep, 
Or slothful, keep not faithful watch 

O'er all the sheep, 
How will ye answer unto God, 

For all the dead, 
Who fall into the lion's jaws, 

Or pit-falls spread. 

If but the Light be lifted up 

That Jesus lit 
The wanderers from the fold of God 

Will come to it, 
lyift up the Light! Lift up the Light! 

Cry, cry aloud! 
For ye must give, for ever}- sheep, 

Account to God. 



Awake, 0, Shepherds of Israel 



Is there indeed a line of men 

In all the world abroad, 
The Shepherds of the sheep, who are 

Successors of the Lord, 
With high commission, sent of Him, 

As He was sent of God ? 

With plentitude of power. 

Who shall guard against the Foe, 

And feed the flock and keep the sheep 
In Christ, forevermore. 

And when the ravening wolf shall come. 
Shall work his overthrow ? 

Yea! Yea! There is a white robed line, 

In all the world abroad. 
The Bishops are the Shepherds sent, 

W^ith power bj^ the Lord; 
They only can, against the Foe, 

Keep safe the fold of God. 

That Christ the Lord, will look to them. 

Themselves will not gainsay. 
'Tis chiefly theirs, in all the world, 

To seek the lost and stray, 
To guide, and guard, and feed the flock, 

And drive the wolf away. 

Then, do they know the wolf has come, 

As prophets have foretold. 
And through the world, hath torn the sheep, 



THE BROTHKRHOOD OF GOD. 209 

And scattered, far the fold, 
That far and wide, the lambs of God 
Are wand'ring o'er the wold? 

What Christ, the I^ord hath given them. 

No man may take away : 
The wolf that rends the Church of God 

Their hands alone can stay : 
And woe unto the helpless flock, 

If these their trust betray. 

Cry, cry aloud, O, scattered sheep! 

In all the world abroad, 
Until the sleeping Shepherds rise. 

With power from the lyord 
To drive the ravening wolf away. 

And save the Church of God. 



The Brotherhood of God. 



The holy Church, the Catholic, 
Whom Christ the Lord shall wed, 

Is that, which from Jerusalem, 
O'er all the world hath spread. 

And there can be no other Church, 
To reign with Christ instead. 

Her faithful priests, arrayed in light 

In flowing, snowy vest, 
Have borne the Gospel seed abroad, 

And planted East and West, 
And all the nations, have from her 

Their heritage in Christ. 



210 THE BROTHERHOOD OF GOD. 

From Juda unto Motherland, 

To India and Catha}^ 
Then South and West, the holy Church 

O'er all the world holds swa}^ 
And builds the new Jerusalem 

In the islands of the sea. 

No other Church can be but this: 

Though every foe assail, 
The lyord hath said, w^ho fights for her. 

She never more shall fail. 
Nor shall the gloomy gates of hell 

Against her life prevail. 

The Roman Church, that went from her 

Can never be her head ; 
Nor they, who faithless fall away 

Acknowledged in her stead ; 
Nor can a wayward man-made church 

The Royal Bridegroom wed. 

But he hath come of whom the Lord 
• In warning hath foretold ; 
And Lo! The Prince of this world reigns 

In powder manifold; 
And ravening wolfs have entered in 

Not sparing of the fold. 

That Love Divine growls cold, that erst 
God's children dear hath bound; 

And now% if He, the Lord should come; 
In all the world around. 

Oh ! tell me ; where in any land, 
Shall perfect faith be found ? 



IN MKMORIAM. 211 

Her children miss a mother's love 

And wander from her side ; 
And some, while gloating in their shame 

Her wretched state deride, 
For lyO ! In her the loving Lord 

Again is crucified. 

O ! Mother Church, awake ! awake ! 

And spread thine arms abroad, 
And loving, call thy children home. 

To oneness in the Lord, 
And make all nations of the earth, 

The B^'othef'hood of God. 



In Mcmoriam. 

of COL. J. J. DANIEL. 

"Alas ! Alas !" — the world hath said — 

"The man we all have loved is dead." 

For little do the rabble weigh 

The meaning of the words they say. 

They see the gasp, that yields the breath. 

And idly think that this is death ; 

For Lo ! The world hath never known, 

What is the Life or Death alone. 

The simply yielding up the breath. 

Can never be man's real death ; 

For what the hand of God hath made. 

Abides for aye, and is not dead. 

The Life, Messiah from above 

Brought down to men, is Livi^ig Love. 



212 IN MEMORIAM. 

The Spirit to our spirits saith 

The absence of this Love is Death. 

As is the worm, itself the tomb, 

From which a higher life shall come. 

So grows the Life through heart and brain 

Which nevermore, shall die again. 

The body is God's fair design. 

To mould the flow of Life Divijie. 

Through living walls, through heart and vein 

A ruby current mounts the brain. 

And builds the mass, from which is wrought 

The deathless form that springs from thought 

The nervous cords are silver strings, 

Where Spirits pass on beating wings; 

And touching as they onward fly. 

Transmit the Life, that cannot die; 

Till from the body as a tomb. 

From brain and heart, as from the womb, 

Born from the touch of God above. 

The being springs, whose Life is Love ; 

Who feeds on Christ, and day b}^ day, 

Grows one with Him in God, alway ; 

Who has the strength in time of need 

To do each tender, loving deed; 

And as the endles love of God, 

To bless alike the vile and good. 

Such life had he of whom 'tis said 

"The man we all have loved is dead." 

He now abides, with that fair host, 

Who loved and toiled and suffered most. 

vSuch cannot die; They must abide, 

Though perish all the world beside. 

Alas ! Alas ! We know instead, 

That they who call him dead, are dead. 



Never Alone. 



Absent from thee, dear Cordelia, 
Seeking rest, I laid me down, 

Went to sleep among the thousands 
Of a orreat and busy town. 



As the wand'rer o'er the prairie, 
Feels alone upon the plain. 

So I laid me down to slumber, 
'Mid the busv crowds of men. 



Somewhere, were the notes of gladness, 
Somewhere were the throbs of pain. 

Somewhere busy men were counting, 
O'er illgotten piles of gain. 

Seemingly alone, forgotten. 

Feelings passing, strange and deep. 
Lying down I sought oblivion 

In the stilly arms of sleep. 



Hushed, were now the gentle voices, 

Which a little while before 
Said good night, so kindly, gently. 
As I closed the chamber door. 



214 NEVER ALONE, 

And my friends, the little children, 
Who had kissed me fond good night. 

Lying wrapped in love together, 
Waited for the morning light. 

Thinking of my absent dear one, 
Thus to rest I laid me down ; 

None who loved me, nor well knew^ me, 
In the thousands of the town. 



Stilly slumber, crept upon me, 
And the town was all forgot. 

Time, the heedless, swift winged monarch 
Rushing onward roused me not. 



Midnight came, and then a being 
Stood before me, fair as da}^ ; 

Turned her gentle eyes upon me, 
Pressed my forehead tenderly. 



Bending softly, vSweetly o'er me, 
With a touch, almost Divine, 

She as knowing, how I loved her, 
Pressed her gentle cheek to mine. 



O, Cordelia! This fair being. 
Wore a form; it was thine own, 

And I know where'er I wander, 
That I never am alone. 



NEVER ALONE. 215 

He who gave thee first unto me, 

Ever round about me seems, 
And, to make me feel His presence, 

Brings thee to me. in my dreams. 

Childhood's voices broke my slumber, 
With a merry youthful glee : 

Still thy image lingers with me, 
While my heart abides with thee. 






f 



* 



